Good morning, Omaha.

A Grand Island attorney, Anthony Wagoner, 38, was found dead Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Hall County Public Defender’s office—he had been convicted in Omaha for a protection order violation and a warrant was pending for a second violation.

Eleven superintendents in the Omaha metro have backed a decade-long Early Childhood Plan that gives quality education from birth to Grade 3 to children, especially those in poverty, through 10 School as Hub sites and additional district consulting.

A national expert praised the program—showing its success as a model for others—while local principals reported every Kindergarten class met growth goals in math and reading.

On April 6th, the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Academy partnered with local colleges and UNO Dual Enrollment to host its inaugural workshop that equipped 20 pre-service teachers with methods to teach the Holocaust and other genocides.

The event, funded by a grant from the Louis and Frances Blumkin Professorship, comes as Nebraska prepares to adopt new standards under legislative bill 888—expert instructors led sessions on hands-on strategies and classroom resources.

The City of Omaha is preparing a major party at Memorial Park for the annual concert Friday—fireworks sales are expected to boost funds for local nonprofits.

OPPD crews responded to a power outage that affected over 3,000 customers (1,850 in Douglas and 1,180 in Sarpy counties) on Wednesday morning; traffic signals in South Omaha did not work (drivers were asked to treat intersections as all-way stops) as officials continue to determine the cause.

Dirty Birds in Omaha earned a top spot on LoveFood’s list for best fried chicken in Nebraska — its chicken is brined for two days in pickling liquid and fried to a crisp finish — and is served with pickles, a side plus a biscuit or brioche sandwich.

Crews have begun demolishing the former WOWT building at 35th and Farnam today.

Plans call for a $45 million, 5-story multi-family project with 180 units — including studio, one- and two-bedroom options and resort-style amenities — which will be completed by spring.

A study by Point2Homes showed Omaha experienced a 53 percent rise in renters aged 65-plus from 2013 to 2023, nearly double the national growth.

The research found Omaha had the nation’s largest jump in seniors renting single-family homes — a trend that marks shifting local housing choices.

Tripping Daisy Anniversary Concert

7 PM-12 AM — The Waiting Room Lounge — Tickets available — Celebrate 30 years of alternative rock with Tripping Daisy's dynamic live performance.

Taylor Fest

8 PM – 1 AM — The Waiting Room Lounge — $20 ADV / $25 DOS — The ultimate party for Swifties to sing and dance through every era of Taylor Swift's music.

Fishbone Live Concert

6:30-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $25 ADV / $30 DOS — Catch the influential punk band Fishbone as they reclaim their live touring throne with energy and legacy.

The OGs & WannaBe's of Comedy & Music

6:30-10:00 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $20.04 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Omaha's best local comics and up-and-coming musical talents.

July 3rd Taco Ride with The Midland Band

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of tacos and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Swampboy Blues Band Live Performance

8:00 p.m. — Therapy Bar & Grill — Check venue for ticket info — Enjoy an evening of soulful blues with the Swampboy Blues Band.

Aksarben Midsummer Market

9 AM – 2 PM — Baxter Arena — Free entry — Celebrate summer with 200+ local vendors, delicious food trucks, and live music.

Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown Live

6-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $20 ADV / $25 DOS — Experience a night of energetic rock and roll infused with blues and southern vibes.

Kansas Concert

6:00 – 8:30 PM — The Astro — Tickets starting at $82 — Enjoy an unforgettable live performance by Kansas in La Vista.

Taylor Swift Music Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — School of Rock — Tuition required — Dive into the musical world of Taylor Swift with a week of learning and live performances.