Good morning, Omaha.

On Saturday, June 27, Heartland Nebraska Quilts of Valor presented handmade quilts to six veterans who were touched by war—honoring their service in a heartfelt tribute.

A heat wave in full swing drives local ice cream shops in Bennington and Elkhorn to boost staffing and inventory as temperatures hit the 90s.

Managers at Cup and Cone and Dairy Chef advise customers to order in cups to keep up with the busy days ahead.

Prime Secured is celebrating its 25-year anniversary this week as the Omaha-based IT and security firm, founded on July 2, 2001, with 100 employees, hosts a month-long event that will end July 30 with its 12th annual Secure & Connect conference at CHI Health Center.

Pacific Engineering Inc. reserved a 150,000 sqft building along Abbott Drive at the new Omaha Airport Business Park.

The company plans to hire 150+ people in North Omaha at an average annual salary of $74,000 and will start operations before the end of the year.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Grace Abbott School of Social Work and Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare launched Project BEST to expand pathways for addiction counseling licensure and address Nebraska’s growing treatment demand; the final summer course, Treatment Issues in Chemical Dependency, will run July 20-24 + interested applicants are encouraged to register.

Omaha Parks is planning a facelift for Cryer Park to add a new playground, park shelter, basketball court and more after residents provided feedback in March.

Officials are asking for additional input through an online survey open until July 24 as demolition of the former Cryer Pool nears completion.

The Omaha Public Power District is offering a smart thermostat program now that makes small, temporary adjustments to help reduce grid strain and cut customers’ bills; enrolled customers receive a free Google Nest thermostat with $100 in bill credits plus up to $30 extra yearly, and the service can lower energy use by 25%.

Planned Parenthood cut 38 jobs and closed its Iowa City clinic due to funding pressures, while its Nebraska clinics continued to provide care today.

Nebraska law still prevents certified nurse midwives from assisting with home births, and both nurse and professional midwives plan to reintroduce proposals in the 2027 session to expand community maternity care (a concern for families in rural areas).

Construction on Plaza de la Raza has begun in South Omaha as officials say the project will be completed in fall 2027.

A developer plans to demolish abandoned buildings (near I-480 at 25th and Center Street) for nearly 200 affordable housing units, pending a $3.6 million tax increment financing request by City Council.

If approved, construction will begin in November and finish by fall 2028.

Omaha City Council approved over $10 million in TIF funding for a Hanscom Park project to replace most grain silos near 35th and Vinton with a 230-unit, four-building apartment complex.

Developer Patrick Mason + partners will begin construction later this year with completion set for 2029.

UNO alumnus Takeaki Ando leads athletic training for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (the Minor League affiliate of the Astros), building his career with hands-on programs and UNO’s Intensive English Program.

Originally from Japan, he gained early sports experience and now prepares professional athletes for a competitive season.

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.

Arsenal FC Soccer Camp

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Omaha Sports Complex — Registration required — Enhance your soccer skills with training from Arsenal coaches at this official camp.

ON Brand 2026 Conference

8 AM - 3:30 PM — Mike & Josie Harper Center — $175 Professional Registration — Engage in workshops and keynotes exploring the latest branding trends and community storytelling.

Backline's Best

7-8:30 p.m. — The Backline Comedy Theatre — Free for students and alumni — Enjoy Omaha's finest improv acts with a rotating lineup every month.