Omaha Weekly Roundup: OPS Budget Shortfall, New Restaurants, and Events for Late February 2026

Happy Thursday, Omaha! February is almost in the rearview mirror, and we've got a packed week ahead to help you finish it strong.

Here's what's inside this week:

From school budgets to happy hour spots, we've got you covered. Let's dig in!

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🐾 Federal crackdown targets animal abuse as local rescue offers guidance
The Department of Agriculture and Justice are cracking down on dog welfare violations at breeding facilities, with surprise inspections replacing scheduled visits. Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue volunteer Heather Reese advises families to meet breeders, check references, and consult rescues when looking for pets, following pandemic-era breeding surges that continue affecting the industry.

📚 Omaha Public Schools faces $50.6 million budget shortfall
OPS will likely raise its property tax levy to the maximum $1.05 per $100 valuation to address a major funding gap caused by a state aid miscalculation. District officials say they'll manage the shortfall without significant student impact, though staff may not see raises this year. The district expects to balance the budget within the next few years.

🤝 Nebraska woman's ALS battle shows power of community support
Tesla Oldfield Davis, a former Peru State athlete diagnosed with ALS at 28, received over $342,000 in assistance from the Nebraska Greats Foundation for medical care and equipment. The foundation helps current and former Nebraska college athletes facing medical challenges, while Inheritance of Hope provided precious family memories through a Disney World Legacy Retreat for Tesla and her daughter Harbor.

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:

Twin Peaks made its comeback to the Omaha market with an official opening at Village Pointe West. The chain had been gone for a few years after its previous spot near 173rd & West Center Road shut down. 313 North 179th Street.

Brewed Philosophy Café has taken over the old 13th Street Coffee Company spot and has been up and running since Valentine's Day. They're still working out the kinks with limited hours, but they're already serving up espresso drinks alongside a Latin-inspired menu. 519 South 13th Street.

Oto HiFi Lounge swung open its doors in Aksarben Village, becoming Omaha's first hi-fi lounge and cocktail bar. The spot doesn't have a kitchen, but you can grab small bites from neighboring Tiny's Pizza or Nori. HDR Headquarters Building, Aksarben Village.

Culinary Dropout is on its way to Omaha, with construction now underway inside the old Local Beer Patio & Kitchen space at Village Pointe Shopping Center. The Scottsdale-based chain has 15 locations across nine states, and the Omaha spot is slated to open this summer.

QVOLE, a new tequila bar, is moving into the second-floor space that Beer Can Alley used to call home in the Capitol District. Renovations are in progress and they're already hiring, though an opening date hasn't been announced yet. 1080 Capitol Avenue.

Talus Spirits & Sustenance is gearing up for a soft opening on March 2nd along the West Maple corridor. It'll be the second location for the brand, joining its original Papillion restaurant. 17205 Evans Street, Whispering Ridge.

Dry Spokes, Omaha's nonalcoholic cocktail bar, will be closing its physical location on March 14th. One of the co-owners received an out-of-state military assignment, prompting the tough decision to close right around the bar's third anniversary. 1901 Leavenworth Street.

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is making its way to West Omaha, with a building now mostly enclosed near MCC's Elkhorn campus. The Kansas City-based chain already has two Nebraska spots, and this new one is expected to open by summer. 1130 North 203rd Street.

Sea Thai has permanently closed its Midtown Crossing location, citing the ongoing streetcar construction in the area as the reason. The restaurant had been a go-to for Thai cuisine and Cajun-style seafood boils. 3157 Farnam Street.

Hyper Energy Bar and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers are both underway at the northwest corner of 204th & Harrison Street in the Coventry Development. Hyper Energy Bar already has an Omaha location near 180th & West Maple Road, and this new Freddy's will be the chain's eighth spot in Omaha.

Burger King closed its Florence neighborhood location on February 23rd, continuing a recent string of closures for the chain in the Omaha area. 7606 North 30th Street.

Q: Nebraska is the only state in America that has only one house in its legislature. The other states are bicameral. What similar-but-different term is the name for the lone house in Nebraska’s legislature?

(Answer below.)

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A: Unicameral