OMAPOD

Kelli Bello is the Director of Development and Outreach for Joslyn Castle & Gardens.Kevin Meyer is Senior Design Architect for Holland Basham Architects. For more information on Joslyn Castle & Gardens Architecture on Tap series that’s discussed, and for tickets, click here.For more information on Kevin Meyer’s presentation on Thursday, August 6th, 2026 that’s discussed, click here.To listen to Kevin & Melissa McCarthy on OMAPOD on the Omatopia series: click here for part one and here for part two. To listen to Kelli’s previous OMAPOD appearances, type her name into the search magnifying glass icon on the top right of the page. ALSO…* Shedrick Mills ruling raises public safety questions from Omaha Police union - from WOWT* Loser of Nebraska Democratic US Senate primary sues party to force replacement for Burbank - from Nebraska Examiner* ‘I felt kinda sick’: Omaha authors included in $1.5B artificial intelligence settlement - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

“‘The Odyssey’ Holds Strong for Big Second Weekend of $87M. Passes $600M Globally,” reports The Hollywood ReporterALSO…* Pancreatic cancer drug helping former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse now offered locally - from Omaha World-Herald* Omaha families volunteer to keep Old Market clean - from WOWT* Upgrading the ‘rustic charm’: Westfair closes in on $10 million goal - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Mandy Rosenquist is the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Omaha Children’s Museum. For more information on the Fairytale Ball that’s discussed, happening at the Omaha Children’s Museum from Friday July 24th to Sunday July 26th, click here. ALSO…* Pillen announces picks for tax incentive-eligible ‘opportunity zones,’ a slate stretching statewide - from Nebraska Examiner* Future students of new Papillion La Vista elementary school tour the building - from Omaha World-Herald* At 103 years old, Bob Walls is still golfing and volunteering at Steve Hogan Golf Course seven days a week - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

“Neighbors weigh in on playground, park upgrades planned for two west Omaha parks,” reports KMTV“Pillen rescinds ImagiNE tax incentives for new Nebraska data centers,” reports Nebraska ExaminerTo take the Cryer Park Design Survey from Omaha Parks & Recreation, click here. To take the Pheasant Run Park survey, click here. ALSO…* ‘She didn’t deserve it’: Family mourns Omaha native killed in Georgia - from KETV* New pancreatic cancer drug with improved survival timelines now available in Omaha - from WOWT* Off-road recreational vehicles banned in Bellevue after city council vote; safety experts weigh in on risks - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

“New $181M headquarters for Omaha police, fire planned at Crossroads,” reports The ReaderALSO…* Evnen: Burbank won’t appear on Nebraska U.S. Senate ballot - from Omaha World-Herald* Omaha City Council approves TIF funding for 5-story apartment complex near 76th and Pacific - from KMTV* Eye-popper traffic stunt intends to draw attention to anti-child sex trafficking efforts - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Deanna Walz is Director of Development for PACE.For more information on PACE Interactive 2026: The Golden Age of Hollywood, on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM, click here. To purchase tickets, click here. To listen to Deanna’s previous OMAPOD appearance, click here. ALSO…* Police make arrest after man allegedly cut by sword in North Omaha - from Omaha World-Herald* Ashland daycare owner faces multiple charges of negligent child abuse - from KETV* Transmission lines coming to Aksarben; route not yet finalized by OPPD - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

David Pereyra is a rodeo cowboy.Lavetti Vegas is a stand-up comedian and the proprietor of the Vetti Lynn custom clothing and merchandise brand.To listen to the first part of this episode with David & Lavetti, click here. For more information on the Clarinda Rodeo on July 23rd mentioned in the episode, click here.To listen to Lavetti’s previous OMAPOD appearance, click here for part one and here for part two.To listen to legendary rodeo clown Gizmo McCracken on OMAPOD, click here.ALSO…* Two injured in shooting disturbance Sunday - from KETV* Austin Ahlman suspends campaign for Nebraska’s 1st district - from Nebraska Examiner* Colombo Latino Festival celebrates fourth year in Omaha - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Nash Mahupete is President & CEO of QLI.For more information on QLI’s ‘Beyond the Promise’ Capital Campaign that’s discussed in this episode, click here. For more information, tickets and to register for QLI’s ‘An Evening at the Fair’ event that’s discussed, click here. To hear the story of Nash’s incredible and award-winning rise at QLI on OMAPOD: click here for part one and here for part two.ALSO…* Nebraska’s projected budget deficit grows to $223 million based on June tax receipts - from Nebraska Examiner* Amazon offers sneak peek at Omaha-area drone delivery - from Omaha World-Herald* What permanent daylight savings time would look like in Omaha - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

J.J. Harder is a reporter & United States diplomat.To read “A famed police interrogation led to infamous false confessions in Nebraska. We still use it.” piece from Flatwater Free Press that’s discussed, click here.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here. To listen to J.J.’s first OMAPOD episode on Chili & Cinnamon Rolls that’s referenced, click here for part one and here for part two.To listen to him on Dorothy Lynch, Taco Salad, Thousand Island & Hidden Valley Ranch, click here.ALSO…* ‘We’re just at the beginning point’: Deadly crashes rise over the past five years in Omaha; Vision Zero’s plan - from KETV* Former Mayor Jean Stothert gets commemorative street named - from Omaha World-Herald* Organizers of efforts to establish two new political parties in Nebraska submit signatures - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

J.J. Harder is a reporter & United States diplomat.To read “A famed police interrogation led to infamous false confessions in Nebraska. We still use it.” piece from Flatwater Free Press that’s discussed, click here.For more information on the book Barbarous Souls by David L. Strauss that’s referenced from Northwestern University Press, click here. To listen to Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Joe Sexton on OMAPOD on The Lost Sons of Omaha that’s referenced, click here for part one, and here for part two. To listen to J.J.’s first OMAPOD episode on Chili & Cinnamon Rolls that’s referenced, click here for part one and here for part two.To listen to him on Dorothy Lynch, Taco Salad, Thousand Island & Hidden Valley Ranch, click here. ALSO…* Omaha City Council OKs higher base youth wage rate than state - from Omaha World-Herald* DCSO investigates crash involving scooter, 11-year-old critically hurt - from KETV* Ernie Chambers library unveiled as longest tenured lawmaker turns 89: ‘I’ll never give up’ - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

David Pereyra is a rodeo cowboy. Lavetti Vegas is a stand-up comedian and the proprietor of the Vetti Lynn custom clothing and merchandise brand. For more information on the Clarinda Rodeo on July 23rd mentioned in the episode, click here. To listen to Lavetti’s previous OMAPOD appearance, click here for part one and here for part two. To listen to legendary rodeo clown Gizmo McCracken on OMAPOD, click here. ALSO…* Lindstrom launches petition drive to qualify nonpartisan bid for Nebraska governor - from Nebraska Examiner* Omaha man allegedly went nearly 100 mph before fatal crash - from Omaha World-Herald* Omaha moves forward with Ames Avenue redesign to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dave Reeder is the founder of Miles For Michelle.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here; to listen to the second part, click here; to listen to the third part, click here. For more information on Miles For Michelle, click here.ALSO…* Memorial for ten-year-old boy has been set up at intersection of deadly crash - from KETV* Nebraska abortions rose nearly 8% in 2025, mostly due to influx of Iowa patients - from Nebraska Examiner* Millard North student develops low-cost water-cleaning capsules for global access - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dave Reeder is the founder of Miles For Michelle.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here; to listen to the second part, click here. For more information on Miles For Michelle, click here.ALSO…* Nebraska’s governor directs state agencies to make spending cuts in new memo - from KETV* Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs ending labor; delivery services - from Omaha World-Herald* Benson Community Garden receives grants to add a new rainwater collection system and a discovery center - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dave Reeder is the founder of Miles For Michelle. For more information on Miles For Michelle, click here. ALSO…* Fired Douglas County deputy drank on duty, generated explicit images, document alleges - from Omaha World-Herald* Rare Bellevue cybersecurity and defense tech campus poised for takeoff as anchor tenant secured - from Nebraska Examiner* Omaha fire crews battle blaze at downtown recycling facility - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Ken White is a screenwriting professor at UNO.To listen to the first part of this episode on the making of his film Wed the Dark that premiered at this year’s Omaha Film Festival, click here; to listen to the second part, click here. ALSO…* Two sentenced in connection to human-trafficking investigation in Omaha - from KETV* $9.6M slice of Nebraska lottery proceeds goes to state entities - from Nebraska Examiner* Omaha college student loses nearly $5K in online job scam involving fake check - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Melissa McCarthy is Programming and Marketing Manager for Joslyn Castle & Gardens.Kevin McCarthy is the Curator of the forthcoming Omatopia: Versions of Omaha show, coming to the Joslyn Castle & Gardens on July 16th.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here. ALSO…* Omaha man, 40, will spend decades in prison after killing woman, shooting at police - from Omaha World-Herald* Nebraska AG Hilgers approves medical cannabis regulations; Governor Pillen to review next - from Nebraska Examiner* Omaha police increase reward to $35K for tips in homicide case - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Melissa McCarthy is Programming and Marketing Manager for Joslyn Castle & Gardens.Kevin McCarthy is the Curator of the forthcoming Omatopia: Versions of Omaha show, coming to the Joslyn Castle & Gardens on July 16th. ALSO…* Judge orders Omaha man detained in alleged White House UFC plot - from Omaha World-Herald* Construction starts on South Omaha plaza project buoyed by $25M state grant - from Nebraska Examiner* NU Board of Regents unanimously approves Nebraska Medicine buyout - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dana Murray is Executive Director of NOMA.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here; for the second part, click here. For more information on the lineup and schedule for NOMAFEST 2026, click here.For tickets, click here.ALSO…* Class-action lawsuit alleges Hy-Vee has failed to pay overtime wages - from Nebraska Examiner* Omaha Storm Chasers celebrate five millionth fan at Werner Park - from KETV* Before America 250, Omaha’s Bicentennial celebration filled streets, parks and rail cars - from Omaha World-Herald Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dana Murray is Executive Director of NOMA. For more information on the lineup and schedule for NOMAFEST 2026, click here. For tickets, click here. ALSO…* UNMC, UNL to be measured jointly first time in 58 years, partly to protect Big Ten status - from Omaha World-Herald* Plattsmouth man reaches plea deal in alleged road rage shooting - from WOWT* Former Omaha chef ‘blown away’ after Obama thanks crew at new presidential center - from Omaha World-Herald Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Angelina Gutierrez is an abstract painter and visual artist.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here. To listen to Angelina’s first OMAPOD appearance: click here for part one and here for part two.ALSO…* Farnam Street sinkhole forces apartment evacuations in Blackstone neighborhood - from Omaha World-Herald* Omaha Community Foundation in talks to join NU as owner of Nebraska Medicine - from Nebraska Examiner* Two teens arrested after alleged kidnapping of children in Omaha - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Ryan Wilkins is a litigation and employment attorney and the co-founder and administrator of the popular Blue Dot Energy Facebook group.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here. To find your polling place, sample ballot and other voter information for Douglas County, click here.ALSO…* Nebraska secretary of state announces election security task force - from WOWT* Douglas County Sheriff’s Office releases body camera footage of South O shootout - from Omaha World-Herald* ICE puts ankle monitor, restrictions on Catholic deacon beloved by Nebraska clergy & Guatemalans - from Nebraska Examiner Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Ryan Wilkins is a litigation and employment attorney and the co-founder and administrator of the popular Blue Dot Energy Facebook group. To find your polling place, sample ballot and other voter information for Douglas County, click here.ALSO…* Will NE-02 Democratic field come together after heated primary? - from Nebraska Examiner* One injured in cutting near Fontenelle Park in North Omaha - from WOWT* Ashland winery hit by worst frost owners have ever seen, about 30% of crop damaged - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Kishla Askins is a candidate for the second district Congressional seat in Nebraska.For more information on her campaign, click here.To find your polling place, sample ballot and other voter information for Douglas County, click here.To listen to Kishla’s first OMAPOD appearance: click here for part one, here for part two and here for part three.To listen to her second appearance: click here for part one and here for part two.To listen to her third appearance, click here for part one and here for part two.ALSO…* Florida man extradited to Iowa, held on bond in Carter Lake hotel murder case - from KETV* Former Nebraska Humane Society leader, who guided shelter through major overhaul, dies at 79 - from Omaha World-Herald* Nebraska rancher pushes for more investment in equine industry to keep young talent in state - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dr. Joseph Gruber is Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.To listen to the first part of this episode, click here. To read ‘Can Healthcare Labor Supply Keep Up with Aging-Driven Demand?’ by Dr. Elior Cohen that’s discussed, click here.ALSO…* 3 teens arrested after gunpoint robbery on ORBT bus along its route in Central Omaha - from KMTV* Omaha police patrols focusing on street-racing violations - from WOWT* Jury trial date set for malpractice lawsuit against Nebraska Medical Center, four of its doctors - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Dr. Joseph Gruber is Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.ALSO…* Woman critically injured after allegedly leaping from boyfriend’s vehicle - from Omaha World-Herald* NFM picnic during Berkshire Weekend with food, music and local giveback - from KETV* Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting sees smaller Omaha crowd under new CEO - from WOWT Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Buey Tut is CEO of Spark.Phil McClain is Founder and Managing Partner of The Mensch Group.For more information on, and to register for the 2026 Reignite2Unite Omaha Development Symposium that’s discussed, click here.To listen to the first part of this episode with Buey & Phil, click here. For more information about We Make Omaha that’s referenced, click here. For more information on the Age-Friendly Omaha initiative that’s discussed, click here. To learn more about Front Porch Investments, check out Executive Director Jody Holston on OMAPOD - part one here and part two here.To hear Jody with Spark Senior Director Angela Smith on Omaha’s disinvested community development ecosystem: click here for part one and here for part two.To learn more about the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, check out Executive Director Leslie Smith and OMLB Board Member Susan Rauth - part one here and part two here.ALSO…* Five candidates share their policy ideas for North Omaha ahead of the upcoming May 12 primary election - from KMTV* Douglas County Board rejects moving funds for Memorial Day event - from WOWT* ‘Reminds them of home’: Cinco de Mayo preparations are underway, what to expect this year - from KETV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe

Andy Akiho is a virtuoso percussionist, Pulitzer Prize finalist musician & seven-time GRAMMY-nominated composer. He’s also the subject of the documentary film Composing Kaneko - which recently World Premiered at the Omaha Film Festival.To listen to the OMAPOD episode referenced with Composing Kaneko director Erik Thorstensen: click here for part one and here for part two.ALSO…* ‘Investing in a pipeline’: MCC students sign with career fields after employers sponsor degrees - from Omaha World-Herald* ‘Go to a safe environment’: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office partners with I-29 Speedway for second year - from KETV* The new Girard Trail Connection officially opens in North Omaha to link neighborhoods and recreation - from KMTV Get full access to OMAPOD at www.omapod.com/subscribe