Good morning, Omaha.

The JE George Blvd parade marked its 76th year in Dundee on July 5, featuring the Central High band, kids on bikes and candy for local families, while Ralston hosted one of Nebraska's largest parades with community groups and festivities.

The events celebrated longstanding traditions and neighborhood pride.

Residents spent early hours after Fourth of July cleaning up fireworks debris in local parks and streets and managing a small fire that broke out Saturday night amid lingering smoke concerns.

Community members are planning ways to improve cleanup and safety for next year’s celebration.

Omaha police officers urge neighbors to support the family of a 16-year-old teen who died on July 4 after five years in the youth basketball program Operation NETS — which helped him attend community events and games — with a new GoFundMe for funeral costs.

Kalamata Mediterranean Grill and Bar is set to open late this summer in the former Voodoo Taco space at Nebraska Crossing in Gretna as owner John Sgourakis, who runs Paradise Bakery & whose family owns Greek Islands at 38th & Center Street, plans to serve Greek wines, beers & cocktails.

Paradise Bakery & Café now offers a new brunch menu seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nebraska Crossing, where chef Marco Brito (newly hired) introduces eight items including chorizo biscuits and gravy and omelets while traditional lunch and dinner service continues.

Local business leaders and entrepreneurs now have access to a SourceLink entrepreneurship dashboard that displays real-time data on small firms and wages in Nebraska.

Developed in partnership with SourceLink Nebraska at UNO, the tool aims to inform decisions that boost regional economic growth.

UNO announced Danielle Battisti, Ph.D. as the new Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Academic Affairs—she previously chaired the History Department since 2012 and led key grant initiatives to support community partnership at the college.

Three Omaha swimming and diving student-athletes were named to the CSCAA Scholar All-America Team for the 2025-26 season after meeting academic and competition standards, and both teams earned Scholar All-America recognition & the honors require a minimum GPA of 3.50.

Burwell teacher Candace Cain shares her family's Revolutionary War legacy with students as Nebraska marks America’s 250th anniversary.

As a Daughter of the American Revolution, Cain (whose lineage traces back to patriot Nathaniel Cain) brings history to life in her classroom.

Nebraska Lottery gave over $9.5 million last quarter, with nearly $4.3 million each to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund and Environmental Trust Fund, and over $960K to the State Fair & over $96K to the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund.

Since 1993, transfers have totaled over $1.1 billion.

Westside quarterback Braylen Warren, a four-star recruit ranked 13th in the 2027 class, has honed his skills at Elite 11 camps and remains determined to win a state championship this fall.

He will graduate early and enroll at Mizzou in January.

Four former Nebraska men’s basketball players will play in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with preliminary contests starting July 9 through July 16, semifinals on July 18 airing on Prime Video & championship game on July 19 airing on ESPN.

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.

Omaha Girls Rock Amplify Showcase

1-7 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Celebrate the talent of youth bands as they perform original songs after a week of music-making.

The Black Keys Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Astro — Cost info unavailable — Experience the electrifying blues-rock sounds of Grammy-winning duo The Black Keys with fan-favorite hits.