Good morning, Omaha.

KETV and the Salvation Army are hosting a back-to-school backpack drive at Methodist Women's Hospital to help families get essential school supplies—organizers are accepting donations to support students during the busy back-to-school season.

United Way of the Midlands enters its sixth year with the Shine Bright program, which supports nearly 3,000 metro students entering kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grade by providing customized hygiene kits—assembled by hundreds of local volunteers.

The kits aim to ease first-of-school jitters and build self-confidence amidst rising living costs.

North Omaha residents shared ideas for a new grocery store at the second community vision meeting held Wednesday night.

The nearly 25,000 sqft store planned near 25th + Lake will break ground this fall to support Heart Ministry Center’s work in the community.

Gretna City Council approved incentives for Buc-ee's to build its first Nebraska location near I-80.

The company will begin planning by renovating the intersection at Highway 31 and Platteview Road, with groundbreaking expected early next year.

Molly Rezich of Rezich Consulting helps healthcare teams improve communication & leadership with practical solutions that reduce conflict, while she plans to expand her Omaha firm by opening an office and adding more consultants.

Bri Full and Ricky Smith of Omaha Public Schools have missed nearly a quarter of board meetings since early 2023, raising concerns about North Omaha representation.

Full’s absences during key votes and Smith’s health issues, which led to hospitalizations, have prompted calls for greater meeting accountability.

Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence visited Omaha Wednesday and said the VA will roll out a new Federal Electronic Health Record system maintained by Oracle (using AI) to improve access to care; veterans will notice more time talking with doctors.

Tony Cato, a disabled Omaha resident, lost his lawn care when Nebraska cut Medicaid programs from covering mowing services; neighbors have stepped in as his yard becomes overgrown.

Local taco trucks in Omaha are washing produce daily and buying less lettuce as cyclospora cases in Douglas County rose, with 18 new cases reported July 20-25 that brought the total to 45.

Health officials advise customers with symptoms to call a doctor.

Omaha Baseball head coach Rob Fournier has finalized a recruiting class of 22 players, including six Division I athletes and 15 locals, for the upcoming 2027 season + the signings boost both pitching depth and field options.

System Of A Clown - Tribute to System Of A Down

7-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $20 ADV / $25 DOS — Experience an unforgettable tribute to System Of A Down with clown-themed antics and energetic performances.

Meteorik Presents: WRATH Vol.2

7-11 p.m. — Reverb Lounge — Tickets start at $32 — Experience an unforgettable evening at Wrath: Vol. 2 in Omaha.

Omaha Orchestra Finale

4-6 p.m. — University of Nebraska Omaha — Free entry — Experience the Festival Orchestra's vibrant new music inspired by the beauty of birds and motion.

Little Stranger Concert

7-8 PM — The Admiral Theater — $ — Experience the uplifting tunes and positive vibes brought by Tropidelic's frontman Matthew Roads.

Jakob Nowell and Codefendants Live Show

7-10 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $28 ADV / $35 DOS — Experience the fusion of California vibes and internet culture with Jakob Nowell's new project, Jakobs Castle.

Secret Formula Live with Spirit Awake & GRiMDOG

8-11 p.m. — Reverb Lounge — $10 ADV / $15 DOS — Experience the grooves of Omaha's local progressive rock scene with Secret Formula.

Andy Frasco Live in Omaha

7-8:30 p.m. — Slowdown — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy performances blending rock, funk, blues, and soul from Andy Frasco and The U.N.

Willow Avalon Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Tickets not provided — Experience the electrifying talents of Willow Avalon, a rising star in country music.