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Hi Omaha, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: MUD’s $45M pump station, a rail overpass for the Triangle of Death, and a Japanese gin dinner + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Omaha protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Major utility upgrade proposed: MUD plans a $45 million pump station and 12 million gallon reservoir near 195th and State as northwest Omaha grows, to improve water pressure and support development, with possible annexation — see what’s planned and why.

Expanding community safety access: Douglas County has launched ReachWell, a multilingual emergency alert app for the Omaha metro, giving families real-time weather updates, Amber Alerts, and messages from first responders as storm season begins — see when siren tests begin.

Plan to restore access: Iowa lawmakers are weighing a bill to fund rail overpasses after years of blocked crossings in Council Bluffs’ “Triangle of Death,” trapping residents and delaying ambulances. An overpass could follow — see what’s being proposed.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Create and care for custom planters
• Hunt eggs and meet the Easter Bunny
• Bid, brunch, and back women’s recovery
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

See a show this week: From big musicals to locally cast plays, Omaha Community Playhouse keeps stages buzzing and neighborhood vibes strong. Midweek lifts come easy with what’s on now or coming soon, best enjoyed with a friend… applause encouraged.

Hot dog hankering, solved: Cheeseburgers – A Takeout Joint nails the craving with a legit Chicago-style Party Dog, a saucy chili dog, and a crisp, house-battered corn dog, plus fries and thick shakes. Fast, easy, reliably tasty… a smart move when the week gets busy.

Neighborhood book fix: Need a little serotonin that isn’t coffee? At The Next Chapter Books & Gifts, expect a cozy browse with staff picks, book clubs, and even a can of wine. New titles and clever gifts line the shelves… your midweek excuse to linger and leave happier.

\*These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Omaha for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 Paint Your Pet Tipsy Painting Class @ JL Studios | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Think your pet belongs in a gilded frame? Prove it at JL Studios, where you email a favorite photo, they pre-sketch the canvas, and you add paint, pride, and maybe a glass of something. Supplies included, spots are scarce, so snag a seat.

🐱 Cats and Tats Fundraiser @ Vinton Street Commercial Historic District | Friday (3/13) at 3:00 PM – Vinton Street’s DosSparrows Tattoo is rolling out cat-themed flash and donating a chunk to buy kibble and fund TNR clinics, so your tiny tiger can help the street lions. Specials all day, plus folks around later to chat traps, spay-neuter, and success stories.

🎸 Floyd: A Tribute to Pink Floyd @ Slowdown | Friday (3/13) at 8:30 PM – Skip the backyard projects and catch Floyd at Slowdown, a sonically spot-on, laser-lit plunge into Pink Floyd without the time machine. Go pitside or balcony for first-come seats, soak up the solos, and savor nostalgia that actually holds up.

🧘 Sound Bath Healing and Meditation @ Arbor Street Collective | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a sound bath of crystal bowls, chimes, and little Reiki to untangle the week. Stretch out on your mat with a blanket and pillow, or grab a chair if your hips vote no. Twenty bucks at the door on Arbor Street, serenity included.

🕵 The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show @ DoubleTree by Hilton Omaha Southwest | Saturday (3/14) at 6:00 PM – Upgrade date night with an interactive murder mystery where the actors hide in the crowd, no cheesy costumes, and the prime suspect could be you. Expect a plated dinner, gratuity included, sharp improv, and just enough chaos to make Omaha gossip taste better.

🎬 OFF’26 Short Film Block 10 @ Aksarben Cinema | Saturday (3/14) at 8:15 PM – Grab a seat for OFF’26’s Nebraska Shorts, six bite-size films from Two Hearts to Rinse Cycle, with Bunny and Bear, Bullock, OCon, and Patina in the mix. Filmmakers stick around for Q&A, so yes, you can finally ask about that ending.

🍸 Japanese Gin Dinner @ J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood | Thursday (3/19) at 6:30 PM – Japanese Gin Dinner is serving four courses of comfort and flex, from chicken yakitori and hambagu to wagyu skirt yakiniku and strawberry mochi, each paired with top-shelf Japanese gin cocktails. $100 per person, tax and tip extra, because adulthood, call 531-222-9218 to reserve.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/12 Hair @ Howard Drew Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/13 Dad Jokes @ The Backline Comedy Theatre – 8:00 PM
• 3/13 Benn Sieff and more @ Reverb Lounge – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 SB Nights: Salsa & Bachata Dance Social @ Corner Kitchen – 8:00 PM
• 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @ Candlelight Bar and Grill – 3:00 PM
• 3/17 St. Pattys @ The Cabin Bar & Grill – 7:00 PM
• 3/19 Cher & Gene Klosner @ Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater – 7:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Omaha report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 67°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 3%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. South southwest wind 6 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%

Partly sunny, with a high near 50. North northwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: A chance of snow after 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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Completely remodeled, this 2.5-story retreat offers over 4,500 sq ft tucked among the trees. Two covered front decks, a porch with fire pit, and six rear decks expand outdoor living. The spa-level primary suite features dual vanities, soaking tub, and a huge tiled shower. Two full kitchens and a garage suit guests or multigenerational living. Estimated completion is April 4.

Take a peek inside →