Weekly Market Report: April 24, 2025

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

All American Burger, a smash burger concept that debuted at Inner Rail Food Hall in January, will soon open in the former Untamed Kitchen space at 1421 Farnam Street, which closed in October 2024. Dubbed “an homage to the classic American hamburger,” both concepts are under the same ownership. An official opening date has yet to be announced.

Elleon, an upscale wine and cocktail lounge, will open this summer at 4915 Underwood Avenue in Dundee. Under the same ownership as A Foreign Taste, which closed in July 2024, the lounge will offer “a sophisticated yet welcoming space for wine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy life’s finer moments.” Offerings include imported wines, craft cocktails, small plates, sommelier‑led wine sessions and monthly wine‑pairing dinners and tasting events.

Pancake Café by Agave Azteca is planning to open soon at 5170 South 72nd Street in Ralston. Located inside an existing restaurant, the Pancake Cafe will allow Agave Azteca Mexican Bar & Grill to offer breakfast entrees. The family owned restaurant’s slogan is “The SHORTCUT to Mexico.”

Ashland Brewing Company is wrapping up construction on its new building on the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 6 and Nebraska Highway 66 in Ashland. The 10,600 sq. ft. brew pub will have four pickleball courts, a rooftop deck and outdoor seating around fire pits. The locally owned restaurant will be part of the 4.3-acre Whitetail development. Opening is scheduled for this summer.

The Millenium Club and Social Hall Rental will hold a grand opening tomorrow –April 25th. The club occupies the former VFW Building at 5083 South 136th Street. Hours are 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The business is now taking Social Hall reservations for anyone interested in scheduling an event.

Eileen’s Cookies will replace the former Omaha Bakery at 725 North 210th Street in the Elkhorn area. The space is east of UBT sports complex and south of Bowlero. Opening is planned for June 28th. The franchisees also own the Eileen’s Cookies store at 74th & Pacific Street.

5 Thirty-One, a Gretna restaurant that not too long ago was known as Lansky’s, has yet another new name – and new owners. Located on the southwest corner of 168th & Highway 370, the space is now home to Basil’s Italian and Ice Cream. The restaurant debuted earlier today.

Sugared Ledge Bakery officially reopened on April 11 at 920 North 204th Avenue in the Elkhorn area. The local bakery temporarily closed in February to refresh its interior, expand its menu, and “enhance operations.” Temporary hours for April are Friday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours and online ordering are set to resume in early May.

The ACCESS Companies have started renovating the vacant Toys R Us and Gordman’s buildings at Lake Manawa Centre in Council Bluffs. Ross Dress for Less, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post will all occupy the two empty buildings, which are being combined into one retail center. The project site is adjacent to Home Depot, Sam’s Club and Walmart.

Scissors & Scotch has opened its third Omaha location at 17211 Evans Street. The barbershop invites customers to stay for a drink in the shop’s signature lounge after getting a haircut or a beard trim. The existing Omaha locations are in Aksarben Village and the Shops of Legacy.

Harmony Med Spa will open its second location on May 1 at 16920 Wright Plaza inside the recently opened OPAL Salon Suites in the Shops of Legacy. The med spa recently celebrated its third anniversary and currently operates at 6750 Mercy Road in Aksarben.

Bookstores are making a comeback. The Barnes & Noble store that just opened in Papillion’s Shadow Lake Towne Center is one of four the company is opening this month. B&N plans to open 60 new locations this year after opening 57 last year.

Last year, we reported that Machine Shed, LLC, an Illinois-based restaurant company purchased a 2-acre site at 182nd & West Maple Road. The plan was to open a concept called Burger Shed. Those plans have changed, and the lot is now listed for sale. Burger Shed has two locations in Altoona, Iowa and Olathe, Kan.

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Meddys Opens Strong in Village Pointe with a Fresh Take on Mediterranean

Alex Harb founded Meddys in Wichita, Kan. in 2014. He came from Lebanon to study computer science at Wichita State University and worked at local restaurants when he wasn’t studying. He found himself drawn to the energy of the food industry.

After a successful career in the technology industry, he shifted his focus back to his culinary roots. He wanted to bring approachable Lebanese food to a wider audience. Meddys was born out of inspiration from the dishes of his childhood, offering a fast-casual dining experience with a fresh, health-conscious take on Mediterranean fare.

Meddys may fall under the fast-casual label, but the menu reaches well beyond it—some dishes wouldn’t feel out of place in an “upscale casual” setting.

Meddys focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. The menu includes Mediterranean classics like hummus, shawarma, salads and seasoned meats. The general approach is to strike a balance between quality and speed. The result is a modern dining experience built on timeless Lebanese recipes.

Meddys opened its doors in the former Gunderson’s Jewelers space at 17255 Davenport Street in Village Pointe Shopping Center on March 16th. With the exit of Paradise Bakery and other restaurants, Meddys brings fresh energy to the lineup.

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NAI NP Dodge Releases First Quarter Commercial Real Estate Report

NAI NP Dodge, the commercial real estate division of N.P. Dodge, produces a report on Omaha’s commercial real estate market each quarter. Below are some highlights from the first quarter of this year.

Office

The 48.8 million sq. ft. Omaha office market ended the 1st quarter of 2025 with a vacancy rate of 8.0 percent, which was the same as last quarter. Absorption over the past 12 months was -451,000 sq. ft. Rental rates were down slightly to $24.44. Approximately 1.3 million sq. ft. of office space is under construction at this time, a little more than last quarter.

Retail

More than 66.6 million sq. ft. of retail space was considered for this report, which is based on CoStar data. At this time, 281,000 sq. ft. of retail space is under construction, which is up a bit from last quarter. Vacancy went up to 4.5 percent. Rental rates were $17.67 per square foot. The 12-month net absorption was 539,000 sq. ft. at the end of the quarter, up from the previous period.

Industrial

Omaha’s industrial sector continues to be strong. The total market size is 109 million sq. ft. Approximately 4.4 million sq. ft. of industrial space is currently under construction, up over the previous quarter. Industrial vacancy is 2.8 percent, which is down from last quarter. Rental rates are $8.28, up 2 cents over last quarter. The 12-month net absorption is 1.3 million sq. ft., which up quite a bit from last quarter.

First Quarter News & Announcements

During the first quarter, U.S. News & World Report named Omaha as America’s hottest housing market just ahead of markets like Austin, Houston and Denver. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area population exceeded 1 million people for the first time. The metro’s official population estimate is currently 1,001,010.

The future streetcar route continues to attract urban development projects as GreenSlate Development announced it will build a 5-story apartment building on the site of WOWT’s former television studio in the Blackstone District.

Noddle Companies announced it will build a 31-acre mixed-use development as part of the Gretna Landing project near 192nd & Highway 370.

The City of Bellevue broke ground on its $60 million Bellevue Bay Water Park, which will be the fourth largest indoor water park in America.

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

The Omaha City Council approved $10 million in interim funding for the CHI Health Center expansion and renovation. The city has committed to finance up to $100 million for the project, while MECA has committed to raise an additional $75 million from private resources. The $10 million that the city will contribute at this time allows the project to continue moving forward as the city prepares bond issuances. The project will add 90,000 sq. ft. of convention space and 25 meeting rooms. It also includes renovation of the existing convention center.

New Horizon Academy broke ground last week on a free-standing, childhood learning and daycare building in the Fountain Ridge Office Park southeast of 192nd & West Dodge Expressway. The building will go up just south of R&R Realty’s Waterford office building. Based in Plymouth, Minn., New Horizon Academy has more than 100 schools in Minnesota, Idaho, Iowa, Colorado and Kansas.

Construction on the Mid-American Energy Tower is now reaching the treetops. The 138-foot-tall recreation and observation tower is under development along the Missouri River just north of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. It’s part of the Rivers Edge area of Council Bluffs. The tower will have multiple platforms on different levels taking visitors above the trees to experience the expansive and unique river, woodland and city views. An adventure course will provide challenging outdoor activities, including an outdoor 50′ climbing wall, simulated caving experiences, and a roll-glide ride.

Ground work and site preparation are now underway on the future Oxworth Apartments at 27th & Leavenworth Street. Clarity Development Company plans to build a 5-story, 194-unit apartment building on the southeast corner. The layout includes 56 studio, 115 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments. The first floor will have 127 indoor parking stalls. An existing building at 810 South 26th Street will house an additional 12 parking stalls. Completion is planned for summer of 2026.

The Warhorse Casino Omaha officially opened its new expansion this week. The project includes 400 additional slot machines and a smoker’s room. Two restaurants opened, including Nebraska Ale House which serves casual dining classics like burgers and sandwiches and features Omaha Steaks angus ribeye and prime rib. The casino employed 350 people already but hired an additional 130 as part of the expansion.

The Council Bluffs City Council is issuing a Request for Proposal for a portion of its East Manawa development project. In 2022, the city purchased 93 acres northeast of Lake Manawa for a mixed-use development designed for around 900 residential units. Phase 1 is already underway. The city partnered with local developer, Turn the Paige Homes, to build 40 single-family houses next to Mohawk Road. The RFP approved this week is for an 8.5-acre site, east of Lakeshore Golf Course along East Manawa Drive. The city is seeking a multi-family apartment project with approximately 180 units. The city plans to discuss the received proposals a public hearing on July 14.

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The Root Coworking, a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based provider of coworking spaces, plans to open in North Downtown Omaha. Opening is scheduled for June. The Root will occupy two floors of Noddle Companies’ mass-timber, mixed-use building at 1501 Mike Fahey Street in the Builders District. It will be The Root’s fourth location and its second outside of Oklahoma. Founded in 2019, The Root has two existing locations in Tulsa and one in Fayetteville, Ark.

Union Pacific Corporation today reported 2025 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.70 per diluted share. This compares to 2024 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, or $2.69 per diluted share.

Emergent Architecture has moved from its downtown office at 950 South 10th Street to 10404 Essex Court inside White Lotus Group’s office. The building is southeast of Interstate 680 & West Dodge Road. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on June 27. The Iowa-based firm has existing offices in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, Iowa as well as in Denver.

Shadow Lake Collision Center is opening a second location at 4040 South 84th Street. That’s the former Kia auto dealership on the northwest corner of 84th & F Street. Opening is planned for this spring. Shadow Lake Collision started in 1975 as AA Collision Repair and adopted its current name in 2012. The existing location is at 1215 Applewood Drive in Papillion.

HDR is the Number-6 top design firm, according to annual rankings by Engineering News-Record. The list classifies the 500 largest U.S.-based design firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue. It marks the 11th consecutive year the Omaha-based company has placed in the Top 10. HDR’s 2024 design revenue was reported at $3.4 billion.

The Harwood family earlier this year sold Mama’s Pizza to Teamshares, Inc., according to Dennis Minton of Results Business Advisors, which facilitated the sale. All four locations remain open. Teamshares is an employee ownership platform for small businesses with a mission is to create $10 billion of new wealth for employees through stock ownership. Teamshares buys businesses from retiring owners to make them 80 percent employee-owned within 20 years.

Green Plains Inc. announced that Eco-Energy LLC, a leader in biofuels marketing and logistics, has been selected as its exclusive ethanol marketer. Under this new agreement, Eco-Energy will assume responsibility for all ethanol marketing and logistics across Green Plains’ platform, providing end-to-end support to optimize value, expand market access and improve supply chain efficiency.

The Douglas County District Court has placed City View Apartments under receivership, according to KETV. Merchants Bank of Indiana, which loaned City View $16.5 million in 2022, alleges that the last required payment was made on April 10, 2024. Since then, no further payments have been made. The controversial apartment building is located at 22nd & St. Mary’s Avenue.

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Livable Omaha and Holy Name Housing are collaborating with FACT, an architect-led UNL design studio to create innovative, small houses aimed at buyers, builders and emerging developers. Two of these home designs are coming to life on a 4,770 sq. ft. residential lot at 5804 Corby St. in the heart of Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. The groundbreaking for these two homes—called Benson House and Corby House—will take place on Monday, June 2, at 10 a.m.

More than 130 youth are currently waiting for a mentor across Big Brothers Big Sisters Omaha’s two programs — Community-Based Mentoring and MentorU. In an effort to recruit more mentors, BBBS is hosting a Mentor Social at Smash Park La Vista on Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free event is open to anyone interested in learning more about mentoring with BBBS in Omaha. Guests can enjoy games, light refreshments and a chance to connect with current mentors and staff.

How slow can you go? From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 3rd at Millwork Commons, Heartland Bike Share is challenging you to ride one of its bikes through a 40-foot course aiming for the slowest time possible. The winner gets bragging rights and a lifetime membership to Heartland Bike Share. The event also features a swap meet for bicycle gear.

The first and only nonprofit cat cafe in Omaha, Felius Cat Cafe, facilitated its 1,475th adoption since it opened its doors in 2019. The cafe, which houses rescue cats and serves Bad Seed coffee, recently moved from downtown to 5015 Dodge Street in Dundee.

Autism Action Partnership’s Prosper Workforce Services program helped Jacob Larson, who is highly skilled at 3D printing, find a career with the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Biomechanics lab, WOWT reported this week. For the past decade, the Prosper Workforce Services program has matched those with autism with a career they have the skills for, but Larson is the program’s first candidate in the UNO Biomechanics lab.

Cole Young, Contributing Writer

The Omaha Supernovas scored a PVF best ninth sweep last Thursday against the Grand Rapids Rise. Omaha held the Rise to just a .089 hitting percentage while out blocking the league’s top blocking team 12-8.

Saturday was a different story, with the second-place Atlanta Vibe coming to town and dealing Omaha a loss in sweeping fashion for its seventh loss of the season in front of a record crowd. Saturday’s 12,514 fans were part of the fifth-largest crowd in pro volleyball history. The Supernovas have hosted the 14 most attended professional volleyball matches in history, and 18 of the top 20. Omaha (17-7) is in a race for the No. 1 seed with Atlanta with four matches remaining. The season finale at the Atlanta Vibe (17-8) may very well be for first place.

The Omaha Beef bounced back from their first loss in more than two years by securing its seventh straight win against rival Sioux City Bandits Saturday. Omaha was down late but scored 14 unanswered points to win 24-17. Omaha is now 4-1 and sits in first place in the National Arena League’s National Division. Next up are the Dallas Falcons at home Saturday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are playing a series against the Toledo Mud Hens this week and have work to do to even it up after dropping the first two games. Tuesday’s game was a 13-inning grinder that saw each team score in the first three extra innings. The Storm Chasers took the lead in the top of the 13th and were one strike away from sealing it before walking in two runs, ending the four-hour game 9-8. Toledo then took Wednesday’s game 8-4. First pitch tonight in Ohio is 5:35 p.m. Next Tuesday, Omaha returns home vs. Indianapolis at 11:05 a.m. and is hosting “Pitch in for the Pantry”. Bring three cans of non-perishable food items to receive a free berm ticket.

Omaha Softball continued its hot streak, picking up a 12th consecutive win Tuesday against Creighton with a decisive 12-2 run-rule victory. Omaha swept the Bluejays in the crosstown rivalry this year, taking the first meeting 3-2 earlier this month. Star pitcher Maddia Groff did not appear in this game after pitching two complete games in last weekend’s series sweep against Summit League foe South Dakota. Groff earned her fifth Summit League Pitcher of the Week award this week for her performances. Creighton (19-23) travels to DePaul Friday for a weekend series against the Blue Demons. Omaha (33-9) will play a weekend series at South Dakota State.

Creighton Baseball (25-12) notched its fifth straight win last night with a 12-2 run-rule beating of South Dakota State in seven innings. Seven different Bluejays scored in the contest, with Nolan Sailors, Matt Scherrman and Kyle Hess launching a home run each. Creighton holds first place in the Big East with just over a month to go in the season. They will host Villanova for a weekend series beginning Friday.

Bluejay reliever Garrett Langrell was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s Stopper of the Year Midseason watch list on Wednesday. The award is given to the best relief pitcher in college baseball, and Langrell has earned his spot on the list. The Bluejay senior is one of 56 relief pitchers on the list after posting nine saves in 17 appearances. Finalists will be announced June 4, and the winner will be announced June 13 at the College World Series.

“Volleyball After Dark” is coming to Omaha in the form of a doubleheader tomorrow night. Creighton and Omaha volleyball will host a spring match at the CHI Health Center starting at 5 p.m. followed by autograph sessions above sections 127-129. The Supernovas will then host the last-place Columbus Fury at 8 p.m. Fans with tickets to Friday’s Supernovas match can enjoy free entry to the Creighton-Omaha match, but re-entry between events will not be permitted.

Union Omaha faces New Mexico United Saturday to kick off the group stage of the USL Cup. The USL Cup, or USL Jägermeister Cup, is not to be confused with last week’s match in the U.S. Open Cup and is an interleague tournament featuring all 38 teams from each rank of the USL. It will be played in stages from March to October. Union Omaha most recently defeated the Des Moines Menace April 2. Saturday’s match will commence at 8 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.

Sunday Funday? The Supernovas will host a Fan Appreciation match for their final home game of 2025 on Sunday at 3 p.m. If you can’t make it downtown this weekend, both Friday and Sunday’s games will be broadcast on News Channel Nebraska and KCRO 660 AM.

Another edition of the crosstown rivalry between Creighton and Omaha will take place next Tuesday, with Creighton Baseball hosting Omaha at 11 a.m. Creighton has won the last five meetings, including a 10-0 run-rule pounding on March 25. Omaha will look to even the season series prior to the teams’ final meeting May 13.

Upcoming Games

Omaha Storm Chasers at Toledo (April 22-27) | Tonight, April 24 | 5:35 p.m.
Creighton Softball at DePaul (April 25-27) | Friday, April 25 | 1 p.m.
Omaha Baseball at Northern Colorado (April 25-27) | Friday, April 25 | 3 p.m.
Omaha Softball at South Dakota State (April 25-26) | Friday, April 25 | 5 p.m.
Creighton Baseball vs. Villanova (April 25-27) | Friday, April 25 | 6 p.m.
Omaha Supernovas vs. Columbus | Friday, April 25 | 8 p.m.
Union Omaha vs. New Mexico United | Saturday, April 26 | 8 p.m.
Omaha Supernovas vs. Vegas | Sunday, April 27 | 3 p.m.
Creighton Baseball vs. Omaha | Tuesday, April 29 | 11 a.m.
Creighton Softball vs. UMKC (Double-Header) | Tuesday, April 29 | 3 & 5 p.m.
Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Indianapolis (April 29-May 4) | Tuesday, April 29 | 11:05 a.m.

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The City of Omaha and the Omaha Parks Foundation have announced the lineup for the annual Memorial Park Concert, happening Friday, June 27. This year’s free event features very special guest Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs and headliner Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band. Campbell was the guitarist in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, while I’m told this Ringo Starr fellow was apparently affiliated with a 1960s, Liverpool-based group called “The Beatles.”

Great Plains Theatre Commons has announced its cast for their May workshop production of stains, a coming-of-age comedy by Sarah Cho and directed by Rebecca Wear. Two actresses, who are based in Los Angeles – Jessica Ko and Janet Song – will be joined by Omaha performers Lauren Krupski and Biannah Peji-Palm.

The Omaha Symphony breathes new life into Disney’s animated classic, “The Little Mermaid” in a special live event at the Holland Performing Arts Center. As the “The Little Mermaid” film plays on the big screen, Maestro Ernest Richardson will lead a performance of the film’s Oscar-winning and GRAMMY-nominated score synchronized live to film. Performances will be on May 3 and May 4. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.omahasymphony.org/concerts/the-little-mermaid-in-concert-2

Garden Party Omaha, a free music festival featuring an all-women lineup of local and regional musicians, has announced that it’s leveling up in its 4th year. Garden Party has grown out of its 100-percent D.I.Y. Benson roots into a larger stage at Sonny’s in Aksarben thanks to support by Noddle Companies. The event takes place on May 10 from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m.

The Omaha Community Playhouse, along with community partner Casa de la Cultura, will be premiering “American Mariachi,” a play infused with live mariachi music, from May 2 to June 1. A story of family, love, tradition and breaking barriers, “American Mariachi” is a celebration of culture, the unifying power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. Tickets are on sale now at the OCP Box Office, located at 6915 Cass Street, by phone at (402) 553-0800 or online at OmahaPlayhouse.com.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Of 2,000 professionals surveyed by consulting firm Korn Ferry, 44 percent say their company has thinned its managers, according to The Hustle. Forty percent say they feel “directionless” because of it.

For the eighth year in a row, Finland is number one in the UN’s World Happiness Report, according to BBC. Why Finland? Some say it has to do with the Scandinavian country’s deeply lived values of balance, nature and everyday contentment. Others name five Finnish elements: the country’s nature, sauna culture, food, sustainable design and lifestyle. I would argue that they key to happiness is gratitude – it makes you content, but you can still be competitive and achievement-oriented.

Business Travel – The U.S. Transportation Security Administration on May 7 will no longer accept state-issued identification that is not Real ID-compliant at TSA security checkpoints for domestic travelers, according to Business Travel News. All airline passengers over 18, including TSA PreCheck members, must present a Real ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport. About 81 percent of travelers at TSA checkpoints currently present an acceptable I.D.

How rich are you? To join the top one percent of wealthiest Americans, you need more than $11.6 million in net worth, according to Forbes. The top 5 percent requires $1.17 million and the top 10 percent requires $970,000. A measly $340,000 puts you in the top 25 percent.

SALES

Top producers don’t waste time chasing bad deals, according to SalesGravy. That’s why they expect prospects earn a spot in their pipelines. The “Gauntlet of Disqualification” by Dawnna St. Louis says you should only spend time on highly qualified, likely-to-close prospects. Assume every buyer is unqualified until they’re proven to be qualified. Every meeting and touch after your initial call should include filters that weed out bad prospects — forcing each one to earn a spot in your pipeline.

As you make prospecting calls, always ask yourself: “What is my prospect thinking, and how can I speak to that?” By understanding your prospect’s mindset and addressing their concerns upfront, you can establish rapport and increase your chances of making a successful connection, according to Mike Brooks, founder of Mr. Inside Sales.

WISDOM

“Stupidity is always astounding, no matter how often one encounters it.” – Jean Cocteau

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Did you know Omaha’s population grew by 3.45 percent from 2020 to 2024? That’s a faster growth rate than several regional cities including Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas City and St. Louis.

Did you know that early construction is starting on the $2.19 billion, 20-story hospital at the University of Nebraska Medical Center? The project is so massive, that it won’t open until after 2030.

Did you know Grow Sarpy has landed 16 projects resulting in more than $1.98 billion in capital investment and 2,100 jobs in the past five years? Grow Sarpy is the county’s economic development corporation.

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Junkstock Spring Edition happening April 25th-27th and May 2nd-4th: Junkstock: Spring Edition returns with blooming flowers, fresh ferns and the sweet scent of apple cider donuts filling the air. Guests can explore acres of curated vintage treasures, handmade artisan goods and enjoy live music while sampling delicious bites from food trucks. From shopping unique finds to sipping on flower power sodas and famous Bloody Marys at Rowdy’s Roadhouse, it’s a weekend of pure magic. With surprises around every corner, Junkstock promises a wonderland of creativity, community and springtime fun!

Book Nook Cozy Concert with The Taco Buffers happening on April 27th: Cozy Concerts offers an intimate musical experience, bringing audiences up close to the performers for original songs and spontaneous jam sessions. This edition features The Taco Buffers, a non-traditional string quartet known for their nostalgic sets that blend classic rock, video game tunes and more. The group includes Jordan Carter, James Farley, Jean Swanson and Heather Horst on a mix of flute, guitar, viola, fiddle and cello. It’s a unique and cozy evening of music you won’t want to miss.

Opera in Conversation | Women Rulers and Power happening on April 29th: Opera in Conversation is a free, three-part series presented by Opera Omaha that brings together creatives, scholars and public voices to explore art, culture and community through the lens of opera. On Tuesday, April 29 at the Joslyn Castle Carriage House, the conversation turns to Giulio Cesare, with a spotlight on the true star-Cleopatra. Historian Catherine Medici-Thiemann, Ph.D,, will guide a thought-provoking discussion on some of history’s most iconic women rulers. This engaging event is open to all, but registration is requested.

Millwork Moves: Yoga in the Dock happening on April 29th: Happening on select Tuesdays, Millwork Commons is hosting Yoga in the Dock with Lotus House of Yoga! This event is free and taught by a certified yoga instructor. Simply bring a mat, a water bottle, and show up to enjoy flowing movement with the community.

Trivia Night at Crescent Moon happening on April 30th: Every Wednesday from 7–9 p.m., The Crescent Moon hosts Trivia Night, open to teams of up to six and free to play, with prizes awarded to top teams. Guests can enjoy Taco Night specials, featuring $1.99 tacos, $5 house margaritas and additional drink specials. It’s the perfect midweek outing for food, drinks and friendly competition. Come for the trivia; stay for the tacos!

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NAI NP Dodge has welcomed Hilke Meyer as a licensed commercial real estate salesperson. She will provide brokerage services for all property types but is particularly interested in retail, office and investment properties. Meyer most recently led the private banking department at American National Bank, and before that, was with McCarthy Companies. Earlier in her career, she held several leadership roles in athletic administration at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and the St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball team.

Mead Lumber has appointed Stephen West as its Region 3 manager, effective April 14. West will oversee operations across Omaha-based Mead Lumber’s locations in Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota, succeeding the retiring Jim Sturm. West most recently was president of Zarsky Lumber in Texas.

NP Dodge Real Estate has welcomed new residential sales associates including Jonathan Herms, Mackenzie Nordlund, Janelle Sandene and Matt Torczon.

The Strawhecker Group, an Omaha-based company in the payments industry, has added several new hires: Christina Ochsner, director of research and consulting; Darren Adelgren, senior associate; Mike Trilli, product manager; Audrey Turner, program manager; Jake Drustrup, sales development representative; and Morgan Murphy, graphic design specialist.

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My all-time favorite TV commercial goes back to the ‘70’s. Pearl Bailey comes on the screen and boldly proclaims, “I’ve been drinking Rainer Ale for as long as I can remember, about a day-and-a-half.” That’s my segue into the fact that I have been preaching, for as long as I can remember, that the media commentary on how the market operates doesn’t match reality.

Last week, I documented Mr. Market’s Trump tariff temper tantrum, pointing out that it was not driven by rational, calculating investors, but rather was the result of Wall Street gun slingers blazing away with their high-speed computers and algorithms.

At the time, I only had smoke and no gun. Well, lo and behold, just a few days after I released my incredibly insightful commentary, the Wall Street Journal delivered the gun – spent cartridges and all – to my lap top. Since my antagonists in academia require chapter and verse, here it is: “Bank Trading Desks Are Minting Money from Trump’s Tariff Chaos.” By Anna Maria Andriotis (Updated April 15, 2025).

The aforementioned article documents that the Wall Street legacy firms have been raking in dough from their trading activities. During the two weeks leading up to Trump’s Rose Garden media shemozzle, and in the two weeks following, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs raked in $12 billion (that’s billion with a B) through their trading desks. This is over and above their regular revenues from underwriting and wealth management.

Their feeding frenzy went far beyond just buying and selling stocks traded on the major exchanges. It included options, futures and currency. Then to add insult to injury, these banks, along with their fellow Wall Street hooligans, created a boat load of derivatives that they circulated among themselves, just like they did during the subprime meltdown. The WSJ focused on the three banks mentioned above and did not have time or space to mention that all this activity caught many of the hedge funds swimming naked, forcing them liquidate some of their positions in order to cover bazillion-dollar margin calls.

The part of the saga the WSJ neglected to include – because they live in a bubble that is removed from where the real people live – is that for all the mom-and-pops with active 401(k)s, this was also an exceptionally profitable time.

There are 70 million ordinary, everyday people in this group and many of them use index funds as their investment of choice. Each month they contribute a portion of their pay check to their 401(k) and buy shares of index funds that are on sale because a bunch of Wall Street smarty pants went on an electronic rampage and drove Mr. Market off a cliff.

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The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

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