HELLO EVERYONE!
Welcome!👋
Welcome to Omaha Go — your weekly escape from the ad-filled chaos of most news sites. I'm Nate, a 10+ year Omaha resident who finally decided to build the newsletter I actually wanted to read. Every Thursday: next week's events, local news that matters, and the stuff worth your time. Clean format, easy to read, maximum signal.
NEWS
Winter Is Sneaking Into Omaha This Weekend ❄️
WOWT
Winter is arriving early in Omaha this weekend, with Saturday and Sunday both bringing a real taste of cold. Expect a light first snowfall and the first widespread hard freeze of the season.
Saturday evening: A quick burst of rain could turn into light snow around sunset. Most spots will see less than half an inch, with slightly higher amounts possible to the north and northeast.
Saturday night into Sunday: Temps drop into the 20s, marking the first widespread hard freeze this fall. Winds could gust over 40 mph, so it’ll feel even colder.
What you should do:
Disconnect outdoor hoses
Drain any above-ground water lines
Underground sprinkler systems should be fine, but consider scheduling a blow-out soon
Monday morning: Expect another cold start, then a warming trend as the week goes on.
Grab a coat, secure the patio furniture, and enjoy the novelty of Omaha’s first snowfall of the season while it lasts. More info here.
GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
SNAP Paused, But Help Is Out There For Omaha Families 🍎
CNBC
Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Nebraska has paused SNAP benefits as of October 29. More than 150,000 Nebraskans rely on these benefits, so the pause is having a real impact on families across the state.
Here’s what you need to know about SNAP right now:
You can still use any balance on your EBT card.
Unused funds remain available for up to 9 months from your last purchase.
Once the shutdown ends, benefits will restart quickly, and DHHS says it’s ready to work with the USDA as soon as funding resumes.
If you need food support now, several organizations are stepping up:
United Way 211 – just dial 2-1-1
Food Bank for the Heartland
Salvation Army
Heartland Hope Mission
Heart Ministry Center
Plus dozens of neighborhood pantries and community programs
Omaha is also running a citywide food drive, with non-perishable drop-off sites at community centers like Adams Park, Florence, and Saddlebrook. More info here.
If you or someone you know needs help, now’s the time to reach out—Omaha’s support network is ready and waiting.
RESTAURANT NEWS
What’s Cooking In Omaha’s Restaurant Scene 🍽️
Omaha’s food scene is staying busy, with new openings, expansions, and ownership changes from Aksarben Village to North Downtown. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new and what’s next.
Red Door Woodfired Grill is coming to Aksarben Village
This Kansas City favorite is bringing its smoky woodfired dishes and scratch-made meals to the former Spirit World spot. The restaurant plans to open in Q2 of 2026 at 6680 Center Street.Blaha’s Taproom set to open in North Downtown
Moving into the old Zipline Brewing location near Film Streams, Blaha’s will feature 12–14 rotating craft beer taps, seasonal cocktails, and a cozy, industrial vibe. It aims to open by year’s end at 721 North 14th Street.Grand Patisserie expanding to Aksarben Village
This French bakery is adding a second location with pastries, croissants, and more. It’s taking over the former Rexius Nutrition space and expects to open by year’s end at 2283 South 67th Street.Hyper Energy Bar announces third Omaha metro location
The Iowa-based energy drink and snack spot is expanding again, adding a new store near 204th and Harrison. It will join existing locations near Village Pointe and West Maple at 6735 South 205th Street.Tussey’s Casual Grill gets new owner
Tussey’s, a local staple since 2008, is now owned by Jennifer Zhang of JZW International, who also owns Omaha Prime. The restaurant remains at 9229 Mormon Bridge Plaza.Beacon Hills in Aksarben Village changes hands
After 24 years, founder Craig McVeigh has retired, and longtime Omaha restaurateur John Benton has taken over operations at 6750 Mercy Road.Hydes Slydes headed to YouTube’s “America’s Best Restaurants”
This burger-and-fries favorite, which began as a food truck, will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants. The episode will spotlight its west Omaha location at 16859 Q Street in February.
If you check out one of these spots, consider snapping a photo and sharing a quick review—local word-of-mouth is still Omaha’s best marketing engine.
FUN
Nebraska Trivia
Q: Bruce Springsteen's landmark 1982 song "Nebraska," from the album of the same name, tells the first-person story of what serial killer who terrorized the state in 1958?
(Answer below.)
ANSWER
A: Charles Starkweather
CONCERTS
Upcoming performances in OMA/LNK
11/8, Jeff Dunham, CHI Health Center Omaha
11/13, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mid-America Center
11/14, The Black Jacket Symphony Presents AC/DC's 'Back In Black', Steelhouse Omaha
11/15, Pentatonix, CHI Health Center Omaha
11/17, Trey Anastasio Band, The Astro Theater
11/20, Riley Green, with Drake White and Hannah McFarland, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln
11/22, Spiritbox: Tsunami Sea North American Tour Part II, Steelhouse Omaha
11/25, Machine Gun Kelly, CHI Health Center
12/1, A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase, Holland Performing Arts Center
12/2, Heart, Baxter Arena
12/4, Dustin Lynch and Scotty McCreery, Liberty First Credit Union Arena
12/5, Blue Violin, Scott Hall at the Holland Center for Performing Arts