Lauren Martin - Partnerships, Amplify Arts - tells us all about the incredible, unprecedented opportunity for local artists for the Omaha Central Public Library . For information on applying for a permanent public art display, click here . ALSO… * Omaha’s county, for one year, surges to fastest growing economy in the U.S. - from Flatwater Free Press * Opportunity Scholarships Act repeal is pulled from ballot after LB1402 adopted - from Nebraska Examiner * Omaha ceremony marks milestone for new c...
May 17, 2024•20 min
Todd Brooks is a director, actor, musician, playwright, producer and marketing maven with a love of commercial jingles and the stage. For information and tickets to A Chorus Line at the Chanticleer Community Theater over in Council Bluffs, click here . ALSO… * Douglas County Republican Party chair resigns one day after primary election - from KETV * Dan Osborn spurns Democrats, other parties whose help he sought in Senate race - from Nebraska Examiner * Omaha Police highlight new investigative u...
May 16, 2024•17 min
Joel Semler is a 59-year-old tradesman by day… and a (primarily) prop-based comedian by night. ALSO… * Nebraska Primary Election results: Senate races, congressional seats and more - from KETV * Justice Department says Nebraska violates civil rights laws on mental health - from WOWT * NE officials say voting went mostly smoothly in state’s first election requiring voter ID - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 15, 2024•20 min
Zedeka Poindexter & Gina Tranisi are Co-Executive Directors of the Nebraska Writers Collective . ALSO… * Multistate, Nebraska-led lawsuits target California and EPA emission regulations - from Nebraska Examiner * Omaha streetcar update: Vehicle builder approved, bridge work needed - from KETV * Nikko Jenkins asking Nebraska for mental health study to challenge death sentence - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 14, 2024•19 min
John Dechant is an author and President of Legacy Preservation Publishing. ALSO… * At least one person hurt in gunfire at south Omaha Cinco de Mayo festival - from KETV * A Centennial Celebration: Offutt Air Force Base marks special milestone - from KMTV * Nebraskans search out rare Northern Lights display - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 13, 2024•20 min
Greg “The Outdoor Guy” Wagner is always in season. And right now, so are morel mushrooms . And wild asparagus ! He tells us all about how and where to find them…and what to do with ‘em when we do! ALSO… * Fortenberry charged again for lying after 2016 fundraiser collected foreign funds - from Nebraska Examiner * Busby’s Journey: Unsheltered homelessness is surging in Omaha. Can one man and his dog find refuge? - from Flatwater Free Press * Omaha, Lincoln students named Presidential Scholars - fr...
May 10, 2024•18 min
Dr. Mary Bolin is Professor Emeritus in the University Libraries at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a guest lecturer in the School of Information at San José State University. And, also - my cousin! ALSO… * Governor, AG, NE bankers launch fund to target human trafficking - from KETV * Signatures being gathered seeking to stop Nebraska’s revamped school choice law - from Nebraska Examiner * Conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens closing for updates: What visitors should know - from KMTV Get fu...
May 09, 2024•20 min
Dave Webber is a Hall of Fame broadcaster and the host of Omaha Everyday on WOWT. ALSO… * Elkhorn tornado relief funds approved by Omaha city council - KETV * Omaha Housing Authority CEO responds to Underwood Tower complaints - from WOWT * Construction on Mutual of Omaha headquarters is on track despite recent storms - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 08, 2024•20 min
Dylan Oakes Rohde is the founder/owner of The Backline Comedy Theatre . For information about the Omaha Comedy Fest, click here . ALSO… * OPS boosts pay for some educators at cost of $34.8 million - from Omaha World-Herald * Nebraska Supreme Court dismisses foster care abuse case against DHHS, expands immunity - from Nebraska Examiner * Air National Guard deployed to assist law enforcement in Washington County - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 07, 2024•20 min
Lauren Medici is Director of Engagement Programs for Opera Omaha . For information on the 2024/25 Season, click here . ALSO… * Pillen’s property tax road show targets possible yes votes - from Nebraska Examiner * St. Patrick’s Catholic Church continues to assist Elkhorn victims - from WOWT * Blair family receives tornado assistance from hometown NFL player - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 06, 2024•19 min
Lauren Medici is Director of Engagement Programs for Opera Omaha . For information on El último sueño de Frida y Diego , click here . For tickets, click here . ALSO… * Mayor seeks to redistribute funds to local families impacted by tornado - from KMTV * Creighton opens $24 million Jesuit residence hall - from Omaha World-Herald * Omaha immigrant history museum event aims to ‘set the record straight’ on Cinco de Mayo - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 03, 2024•20 min
Rashod Vaughn wanted a whirlwind of publicity when he released his mixtape comedy album ‘ Just My Thoughts ’ last Friday. He got a whirlwind…that hurt the publicity. ALSO… * Midland University associate AD charged with sexual assault - from Omaha World-Herald * Omaha officials last year gave green light to 23 projects that represent $129 million in TIF loans - from Nebraska Examiner * Blair widow finds peace after disaster - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 02, 2024•19 min
Aaron Rigsby is a professional storm chaser who follows and documents hazardous weather events around the world. ALSO… * Pillen deploys Nebraska National Guard to assist with storm recovery, security - from Nebraska Examiner * Elkhorn brothers return home, recall cartwheeling through the air after being sucked into the tornado - from KETV * Elkhorn church helping reunite tornado victims with lost keepsakes - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
May 01, 2024•19 min
Aaron Rigsby is a professional storm chaser who follows and documents hazardous weather events around the world. The photo above is taken from his viral GoPro video that you can see in full here . If you’re looking to help with the relief efforts, our friends at SHARE Omaha are compiling ways to support tornado relief here . ALSO… * 2 arrested on suspicion of attempted looting near Elkhorn - from Omaha World-Herald * Gov. Pillen outlines Nebraska’s local, federal next steps following ‘war zone’ ...
Apr 30, 2024•19 min
Carmen Steele , Senior Manager, Communications, for United Way of the Midlands joins us to tell you how you can aid tornado relief via the Nebraska & Iowa Tornado Relief Fund . Click here to donate. Or call: 402.522.7962 Or text: TORNADO24 to 41444 To register for cleanup volunteering opportunities on the volunteer platform, go to uwmidlands.galaxydigital.com ALSO… * Minden, Iowa man dies from injuries from tornado, family confirms - from WOWT * Ukrainian refugees help with storm recovery as...
Apr 29, 2024•20 min
We conclude our game-changing conversation about the development of Monopoly’s Omaha Edition… If you have your own suggestions, e-mail them to: omaha@toptrumps.com ALSO… * Omaha leaders declare support for P.A.C.E. - from KETV * Zero for 63: In past decade, Omaha police haven’t sided with any citizen who formally complained of bias - from Flatwater Free Press * Blackstone small business houses new emergency contraceptive vending machine - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/sub...
Apr 26, 2024•19 min
Brooke Barsell is a writing coach, teacher - and also performs on, hosts and produces comedy shows… For information on the Nebraska Writers Collective Finals at the Holland Center next Tuesday night, click here . ALSO… * Douglas County GOP central committee flips endorsements to Dan Frei and John Glen Weaver - from Nebraska Examiner * Crossroads, Omaha working on milestones to keep redevelopment on track - on KETV * Omaha city leaders look to provide city funding for PACE youth sports this summe...
Apr 25, 2024•20 min
Monopoly announced an Omaha edition. A legendary OMAPOD episode ensued. Now - a podcast that will change the game. If you have your own suggestions, e-mail them to: omaha@toptrumps.com ALSO… * Omaha police make plea for information in unsolved 2023 murder - from KETV * ‘I came home to this’: Neighbor says he wasn’t told about placement of fiber box - from KMTV * Wambli Sapa powwow to draw tribal nations, dancers, drum groups to UNO on April 27 - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD a...
Apr 24, 2024•20 min
Lavetti Vegas has bars… and jokes… and always brings his ‘A’ game… ALSO… * Decades-old Omaha tradition ‘Septemberfest’ will not return in 2024 - from WOWT * Crossroads project to stall until 2025, developers request more TIF funds - from KETV * Volunteers clean up trash in Omaha parks as part of Earth Day celebration - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 23, 2024•20 min
Watie White is a painter, printmaker and public artist . ALSO… * Regents greenlight UNMC residence hall plan for medical students - from Nebraska Examiner * New rule: Nebraska parole board must show up for most parole hearings - from Flatwater Free Press * Lost Pets of Omaha Area reaches goal for a new thermal imaging drone to help find pets faster - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 22, 2024•19 min
Heather Jones is a popular stand-up comedian, multi-talented artist and magic fan. ALSO… * Nebraska lawmakers adjourn, but break will be short-lived as special session looms - from Nebraska Examiner * Omaha boxer Steven Nelson arrested in connection with shooting that injured teen - from Omaha World-Herald * Sexual harassment allegations against CEO plunge Omaha education agency into turmoil - from Flatwater Free Press Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 19, 2024•20 min
Joslyn Castle’s Special Events Manager Meg Welch tells us all about tonight’s really special event: the first of this season’s Art Walk ’s! There’s also an announcement on one of the booth’s - you’ll never guess which podcast they gave one to tonight! ALSO… * Omaha bartender stabbed while trying to remove customer - from Omaha World-Herald * Douglas County plans to build new acute mental health center - from KETV * Broadcasters mount last-minute blitz to delete tax on ‘digital ads’ from Pillen p...
Apr 18, 2024•19 min
SHARE Omaha Executive Director Teresa Mardesen has some great ideas on how we can spend and celebrate the upcoming National Volunteer Week here locally. ALSO… * Sen. Ricketts funds competing abortion ban petition effort - from Nebraska Examiner * Gold touts UNMC growth as he seeks to become NU president - from Omaha World-Herald * Omaha police investigating body found at burned body in midtown - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 17, 2024•20 min
NMotion powered by gener8tor Managing Principal Scott Henderson offers us insight on the problem - and the problem behind the problem… And a lot of good information on the upcoming NMotion Pitch Contest ! ALSO… * Mayor vetoes parking ordinance passed by city council fining people who park in yards - from KETV * OPS teachers would get 2-hour late-start ‘improvement days’ in new calendar proposal - from Omaha World-Herald * Growing UNMC Omaha campus seeks modern housing option, aims to build six-s...
Apr 16, 2024•20 min
Watie White is a painter, printmaker and public artist . Check out Watie’s portraits at The Joslyn Castle during one of the public tours . ALSO… * Democrats investing more in Vargas during Bacon-Frei GOP Primary fight in NE-02 - from Nebraska Examiner * 3 Douglas County deputies injured during arrest of Omaha fugitive - from Omaha World-Herald * New data shows thousands of grads leaving Nebraska - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 15, 2024•19 min
For more information on JAG Nebraska, check out JAGNebraska.org . Janelle Duray is President & CEO of the national JAG organization. ALSO… * More than 100 bills sent to Pillen for approval in legislative voting spree - from Nebraska Examiner * Bacon’s House panel seeks 15% military enlisted payment boost, higher housing allowance - from Omaha World-Herald * Disgraced Omaha ex-police officer will serve prison time - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 12, 2024•17 min
Janelle Duray is President and CEO of the national JAG program. For more information on the JAG Nebraska program, check out JAGNebraska.org . ALSO… * Newest version of ‘opportunity scholarship’ program sent to final-round consideration - from Nebraska Examiner * Developers showcase progress on North Omaha redevelopment project - from Omaha World-Herald * Omaha’s ‘No Cruising’ signs: A rarely enforced relic of a teenage pastim e - from Flatwater Free Press Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod....
Apr 11, 2024•20 min
Nebraska Examiner story on Trump v. Brewer (allegedly). The Hill on Defending Democracy Together up in Omaha . Gov. Pillen’s tweet last night. ALSO… * State lawmakers advance bill to hold Omaha housing authority more accountable - from WOWT * Omaha city council votes to criminalize parking on lawns - from Omaha World-Herald * Google Fiber sets up office in downtown as it builds a high-speed internet network - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 10, 2024•13 min
Lavetti Vegas loves good barbecue, good stories & a good crowd… ALSO… * First early ballots mailed out in Nebraska’s first election with voter ID - from Nebraska Examiner * Warren Buffett now No. 6 on Forbes’ billionaires list - from Omaha World-Herald * Douglas County field appraisers set to secure permission to carry pepper spray - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 09, 2024•20 min
For information on the Branched Oak Observatory Eclipse Viewing Party, click here . For information on Jayme Sandberg’s book, click here . ALSO… * NU leaders ponder bold changes, cuts and mergers to compete - from Omaha World-Herald * Bathroom, sports team restrictions fall short in Nebraska Legislature - from Nebraska Examiner * Arizona grand jury indicts suspect in Gretna man’s murder - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe...
Apr 08, 2024•11 min