Ending the Orphan Tax, Boosting Job Markets, and Local Sports Highlights - Omaha Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, January 29th. We start with big news from our state capitol that hits close to home for Omaha families. Governor Jim Pillen just signed an executive order ending the so-called orphan tax, stopping the state from taking federal survivor benefits from about 128 foster kids, including many right here in Douglas County. Those funds, worth 1.4 million dollars last year, now go straight into trust accounts for their futures, with financial literacy classes starting by age 14. Omaha Senator Megan Hunt, whos championed this since 2021, calls it very exciting and a long time coming. We think this gives our most vulnerable youth a real shot at stability, maybe even a first apartment near 72nd and Dodge. Shifting to city updates, the Omaha Daily Record notes tax delinquency notices are out for 2025, so check your properties around Aksarben Village if you owe. On the economic front, the Greater Omaha Chamber highlights hot real estate action, with firms like Investors Realty lining up sites for business growth. Job markets stay strong, with about 10,000 openings in logistics and tech along the Missouri River corridor, drawing folks who love our scalable vibe. Sports wise, our UNO womens basketball team fell hard to South Dakota State, 85 to 41, but the mens squad gears up for Summit League play this weekend at Baxter Arena. Locally, Central Highs debate team just won regionals, a bright spot for our schools. New business buzz includes a fresh coffee spot opening Friday on Leavenworth Street in Benson. Weather today brings light snow flurries near Eppley Airfield, with temps hovering around 25 degrees, so bundle up for errands but expect clearer skies by afternoon and mild winds through Saturday. Community events ahead feature the Omaha Symphony winter concert tomorrow at Holland Performing Arts Center and a free foster family picnic Sunday at Hanscom Park. For public safety, Omaha police report a quiet 24 hours, just a minor theft arrest near 24th and Lake, no major alerts. And a feel-good note, veterans in nearby counties rallied against reallocating aid funds, echoing our shared commitment to those whove served. Thanks for tuning in, listeners, and dont forget to subscribe. This has been Omaha Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.