Morning
Omaha
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Toys R Us will open a store at Westroads Mall in west Omaha by Black Friday, according to mall and company officials. Final signatures from owner Go! Retail Group are pending—an opening event will be scheduled soon. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ The nation's largest railroad union endorsed Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion merger with Norfolk Southern on Monday after receiving a written promise to protect rail workers’ jobs—though some unions still say the safeguards may not be enough. Major companies have backed the deal despite worries that it could reduce competition, and the review by the Surface Transportation Board could take up to two years. Omaha World-Herald
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new study from Zumper shows that in Omaha, the average one bedroom rent is $1,000 per month—a 3.8% drop from last year—while in Lincoln the average is $890, up 4.7% from last month but down 7.3% from last year. KFAB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Omaha Public Schools board approved the $1.34 billion 2025–26 budget that includes a 2% levy increase to cover higher staffing costs and a larger contingency fund—this change means a $200,000 home will pay about $2,260 more in property taxes each year and funds a new bus facility near Buena Vista. Omaha World-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Sept. 15, the Omaha Streetcar Authority met to review progress on utility work in Midtown and approved plans to shift work to Blackstone, while also setting contracts and reimbursements for water design and natural gas relocation. Board members said rail work will begin in January and the first streetcar will be delivered between March and June — officials noted that materials are now sourced regionally and new procedures are in place to improve cost estimates. Flatwater Free Press
- ➤ At a town hall meeting at the Willa Cather Branch of the Omaha Public Library on September 22, Sen. Juarez and rail advocates laid out plans to update Nebraska’s old rail plan and rejoin the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact—aiming to link Omaha to major cities. Attendees also suggested moving the Amtrak station to the Durham Museum—hoping to make travel easier. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Omahans spent over three hours on Tuesday afternoon telling City Council that they oppose Councilmember Harding’s proposal to ban homeless encampments on public property—only three people spoke in support while most argued the measure would hurt people in need. Mayor Ewing said he will not approve any such rule until after a six-month pilot program, and several council members plan to vote against it next Tuesday. KETV
- ➤ Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit against Lorex Corporation & Lorex Technology Inc. saying the companies misled consumers about security flaws in home cameras; the suit claims the cameras sold at major stores use parts from a blacklisted manufacturer that may let hackers spy on families. WOWT
- ➤ In Nebraska, Common Cause Nebraska sued the Secretary of State after the deadline for voter registration data passed, while Mayor John Ewing asked the city council for 30 days to study homelessness solutions. State Senator Margo Juarez hosted a town hall on expanding Amtrak service, Senator Pete Ricketts launched his re-election campaign, Representative Don Bacon introduced the bipartisan No Coffee Tax Act, and Omaha Public Schools credited resource officers with improving safety. KIOS
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At UNO’s Clinical Gait Analysis Lab, nine-year-old Theo Brewer from Wauneta improved his walking after sensors pinpointed his cerebral palsy condition — leading his Children’s Hospital team to perform selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery. Today he returns for a test — tracking his progress and showing how local research transforms care for children. University of Nebraska Omaha
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Omaha will honor Terence 'Bud' Crawford after his win over Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas as a hero's celebration is planned, with KETV airing live coverage on Saturday, Sept 27 starting at 10 a.m—this event shows local pride in his boxing achievement. Mayor John Ewing said the city supports Crawford for representing Omaha and investing in youth. KETV
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Iniko Live Concert Experience
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $ — Experience an exclusive music and poetry cypher with the genre-defying artist Iniko alongside a special meet and greet.
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Swans Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $35 ADV / $40 DOS — Experience the sonic evolution of Michael Gira's iconic band since 1982 with a night of transformative music.
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Ripple Intent Breakfast Club
8:00-9:30 a.m. — MCL Construction — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Explore human factors fueling positive change through engaging discussions over breakfast.
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Team Lead / Project Manager - Omaha Studio
BVH Architecture is seeking a Team Lead and Project Manager with a passion for guiding others through design and professional development. This role leads a team of 10 to 12 professional architects and designers through project management, resource allocation, team building, financial performance, client relationships, quality of service, and clear communication while inspiring, motivating, mentoring, and coaching the team toward design excellence through servant leadership, efficient workflows, and strong team relationships.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
~ Adam Osborne
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