👏 Nebraska Navigator answers your questions in 50 languages

You may have noticed things look a little different around here. We recently switched to a new newsletter tool to make things easier on our end, and it gave us a good excuse to freshen up the design too.

The content is still the same kind of stuff you’re used to, but the new format lets us make the newsletter a little cleaner, more visual, and more fun to read.

Be sure to check out the featured home section, we're pretty proud of it!

🚗 New Nebraska Navigator online tool

The Gist: Nebraska launched a new website assistant called Nebraska Navigator on Tuesday to help residents quickly navigate state resources. A pilot version on the DMV site last December handled over 188,000 questions in 50 languages and reduced call volume by 20%, with nearly a fifth of inquiries coming outside regular business hours.

Why It Matters: Getting state business sorted just got much easier for our community. Whether you need help late at night or assistance in another language, the new tool saves you time and eliminates long phone holds.

🏠 "No Net Loss" Rules to save affordable housing

The Gist: The Omaha City Council passed a new policy in a 5-2 vote on Tuesday to protect local affordable housing when developers use tax increment financing (TIF). Triggered by city data showing a loss of 41 unreplaced bedrooms over the last two years due to redevelopment, the "no net loss" mandate requires developers demolishing residential spaces to build an equal number of replacement bedrooms or pay into the city’s Affordable Housing Development Fund.

Why It Matters: For local families feeling the squeeze of rising living costs, this move helps keep neighborhood housing stocks stable instead of seeing affordable homes knocked down for high-end developments. It sets a strong boundary so that public redevelopment tools actually support working neighbors rather than displacing them.

🥐 The artisan loaves worth setting an alarm for

Hallow Sourdough operates on pure ingredients, serious patience, and Friday pickups worth planning your morning around. Owner Gisele crafts cottage loaves with a deeply blistered, crunchy crust and a soft, stretchy interior. The garlic rosemary sourdough disappears fast, though the sweet side of the menu (particularly the decadent cinnapuffs!) deserves equal real estate in your tote. Every batch brings local warmth, faith, and genuine community directly to your kitchen table.

💪 A space to rebuild your movement habit

The Bodysmith Fitness brings a thoughtful, personal touch to Omaha with custom coaching built entirely around individual goals and daily life. Skip the crowded gym floors for private studio training, golf fitness, or flexible remote coaching tailored to your rhythm.

With dedicated guidance on movement, nutrition, and essential recovery, every step feels clear, sustainable, and supported.