Omaha Events Next Week: February 12-19, 2026 – Concerts, Restaurants & City News

After that wild record warmth earlier this week, things are settling back down—but the city sure isn't slowing down. Teachers might see bigger paychecks, faster internet is on the way, and our restaurant scene keeps shaking things up.

Here's what you need to know this week 👇

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📚 Proposed Bill Would Raise Nebraska Teacher Minimum Salary to $50K State Senator Loren Lippencott introduced LB1182, which would raise minimum teacher salaries to $50,000 and overhaul Nebraska's education funding system. The bill addresses Nebraska's ranking of 50th in average teacher base pay nationally. However, the Nebraska State Education Association warns the proposal leaves funding gaps for districts and could negatively impact veteran educator salaries.

🌳 Record Warmth Brings Flooding and Wildfire Risks Monday's record-breaking temperatures in the lower to mid-70s—about 30-35 degrees above normal—created dual threats of ice jam flooding and wildfire danger across Nebraska. Counties along the Elkhorn, Loup, and Platte rivers faced flood watches, while the entire Panhandle and north-central Nebraska were under red flag warnings due to low humidity and gusty winds creating critical fire weather conditions.

🏗️ University of Nebraska Launches AI Institute The University of Nebraska announced a new system-wide AI Institute to expand artificial intelligence research and applications across health care, agriculture, rural and urban development, business, and national security. Using a hub-and-spoke model, the institute will coordinate efforts across all NU campuses, with specialized centers at UNMC focusing on health care innovation, UNL on agricultural AI, and UNO on urban innovation and cybersecurity.

The commercial real estate playbook is being rewritten—and Brightway Commercial's expertise is where businesses are putting their trust for measurable savings. The company specializes in tenant representation, investment sales, and strategic consulting that protects your bottom line.

Why smart businesses choose Brightway:

🌐 City Fronts Google $530K for Fiber Rollout The city just approved over half a million dollars in engineering help for Google Fiber's expansion across Omaha. Google will pay it back eventually, but taxpayers are footing the bill upfront. Two firms—HDR Engineering and Alfred Benesch—will handle the work. It's a little odd: why does a massive tech company need the city's checkbook to wire up neighborhoods? Still, faster internet is coming.

🏘️ 27 Affordable Townhomes Coming Near 26th & Corby Good news for first-time buyers: 27 affordable townhomes are coming to the area near 26th and Corby Streets. Developer 1701, LLC got an $884,851 tax break to make it happen. These homes are for sale to families who meet income requirements—not rentals. With housing costs sky-high, this project helps working families who are priced out of regular homes. If you know someone house-hunting on a budget, this could be their shot.

💰 8 Omaha Neighborhoods Face Extra Tax Bills—Again Property owners in Benson, Blackstone, Dundee, Elkhorn, Little Bohemia, North 24th Street, North Saddle Creek, and South Omaha just got hit with special tax bills to cover 2024 costs for their Business Improvement Districts. Two residents spoke out against the charges at City Council, saying the benefits don't match what they're paying. If you own property in these areas, check your mail—you're paying whether you like it or not.

Watch the City Council meeting here.

Scooter's Coffee is setting up shop on the southwest corner of 120th & L Street at 12020 Anne Street. The coffee spot has permits in hand and construction is underway on a site that was originally slated for a Burger Detour before that chain suddenly folded. 12020 Anne Street

Burlington Social opened last Thursday, February 6, in the old Burlington League spot in Little Italy. This is the third Social location, joining its siblings in Blackstone and near 192nd & Pacific, and it comes with a bonus basement lounge called The Talk Back To Me Lounge for intimate late-night vibes. 1002 South 10th Street

The Bull Moose is pouring its last drinks on February 13, with the bar permanently closing the next day on Valentine's Day. The historic Center Street watering hole, named after Teddy Roosevelt's Bull Moose Party, features artwork commemorating his visit to the area. 3548 Center Street

Hibana, a Japanese hibachi spot, is headed to northwest Omaha in a new retail strip at 180th & West Maple Road. A building permit shows the restaurant will occupy space in the currently under-construction development. 17807 Manderson Street

Juice Stop will keep its Old Market doors open until its lease runs out on November 30, though it might close earlier if a new tenant shows interest. The smoothie shop sits just south of where Anthem Tex-Asian pub is getting ready to debut in May. 510 South 12th Street

Meddys is bringing its Mediterranean flavors to a second Omaha location at One Pacific Place. The quick-casual chain has locked down a 3,500 square-foot space that used to house Andrés Tortillery, with plans to open this fall and join its Village Pointe sibling. 10317 Pacific Street

The Bubbly Tart has shut down its Midtown bakery for good after a planned sale fell through. The champagne-sipping, macaron-making, tea-party-hosting spot at Leavenworth Street is no more. 3020 Leavenworth Street

Q: In 1988, what international food company pushed the city of Omaha into destroying a historic district so they could put up a new headquarters? In 2015, the company relocated its headquarters to Chicago.

(Answer below.)

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A: ConAgra