⚽ Soccer fields, a new police HQ, and zero tax hikes?

Summer is getting dangerously close to the finish line, and we're choosing to ignore it for as long as possible. Can we agree it went by way too fast?

Somehow we're already talking about back-to-school, which feels a little rude considering there are still plenty of warm nights ahead, patios calling, concerts under the stars, outdoor events, and late-night ice cream runs to enjoy. 😉

Before school schedules and regular routines take over again, now feels like the perfect time to squeeze in a few more adventures. This week's Scoop has plenty of ways to enjoy summer while it lasts.

🎒 Backpack Drive hits the home stretch

The Gist: The Salvation Army's 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program is in its final collection week, with donations accepted through Aug. 3 at drop-off partners including Methodist Urgent Care locations, Cubby's Convenience Stores, and Metro Credit Union branches.

Why It Matters: OPS starts Aug. 19 for kindergarten and entry-level middle and high school grades, and Aug. 20 for everyone else. For families juggling summer costs, a stocked backpack removes one very real barrier before day one.

What's Next: Distribution takes place Aug. 7 and 8 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center at 2825 Y St. and Western Divisional Headquarters at 10755 Burt St.

🚨 Voters to decide on $185M bonds

The Gist: The Omaha City Council introduced two bond measures on Tuesday, July 28, totaling $185 million that could land on the November ballot. The proposals include $155 million for a modern, combined public safety headquarters at 72nd and Dodge streets for police and fire crews, plus $30 million to finish a $68 million expansion at Tranquility Park. Finance Director Stephen Curtiss confirmed the $30 million chunk will add up to 16 soccer fields capable of hosting regional and national tournaments.

Why It Matters: These projects give our first responders a long-overdue home out of their undersized, asbestos-filled headquarters and keep families from traveling out of state every weekend just so Omaha kids can play soccer. Best of all, city officials say approving the bonds won't raise our property tax rate, using existing borrowing capacity instead.

🍦 Four decades of slow-churned, ultra-rich summers

Omaha’s favorite warm-weather ritual is still in full swing. Ted & Wally’s slow-churns 20% butterfat cream inside antique freezers the old-fashioned way. Right now, catch seasonal drops like Brown Butter Chocolate Chip made with local Crum Cakes cookies, Alani Hawaiian Shaved Ice sorbet, or fresh “Blueberry Pie.”

Grab a late-night scoop on the Benson patio and soak up the final stretch of the season.

🧩 Hands-on magic and wooden treasures await

Between the Omaha Children's Museum and the Old Market, Oak & Acorn offers a thoughtfully arranged space devoted to sensory-friendly, Montessori-style play. Hands-on tables feature seasonal mixes like watermelon and coral reefs alongside clean-ingredient playdough and wooden classics from independent brands.

Big summer finds: fifty percent off select clothing and front-table sales, plus daily treasure chest surprises inside the attached Acorn Hollow play space.

Meet Koda, a playful medium-sized Terrier puppy

Born in May 2026¹ , this friendly young fellow loves giving kisses and is wonderfully curious about the world around him. Koda gets along splendidly with other dogs, cats, and children, making him a fantastic addition to a bustling household.

He is vaccinated, and his neuter status and adoption fee can be discussed directly with the rescue.

To learn more about this adorable boy,

🎶 Live On The Lawn: One2Go | Zorinsky Lake Park | 07/31 | More
Classic hits under the sunset with food trucks and open grass to spread out. Free.

🎸 Saturdays @ Stinson: Xperience | Stinson Park at Aksarben | 08/01 | More 
Face painting, balloon artists, playground energy, and an outdoor lawn show.

🩷 Barbie Truck Original Icon Tour | Village Pointe Shopping Center | 08/01 | More Pop-up shop: exclusive apparel, retro collectibles, and iconic photo backdrops.

🎺 BluesEd Youth Showcase | Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement | 08/01 | More
Teen and pre-teen bands playing real blues sets to a real crowd. Free.

🐕 Leashes at Lauritzen | Lauritzen Gardens | 08/03 | More 
Evening garden stroll through botanical trails designed for four-legged friends.

🎤 Tyce Delk With The Grace Lundy Band | Slowdown | 07/31 | More
Front Room country show with rising Nashville talent.

✨ Parker McCollum: 2026 Tour | CHI Health Center Omaha | 08/01 | More 
Neon-lit country ballads with soaring stadium guitar hooks and sing-alongs.

🍔 Punk Rock BBQ | The Waiting Room Lounge | 08/01 | More 
Fast guitar power chords matched with smoky barbecue and casual patio vibes.

📺 Hallmark Stars Live | Orpheum Theatre | 08/02 | More 
Charming conversation sharing behind-the-scenes stories from fan-favorite films.

🌆 Jazz On The Green: Brittany Davis & Black Thunder | Turner Park @ Midtown | 08/06 | More
Second-to-last Thursday of the beloved summer series.

🦇 Gothicon 2026 | Crown Point Venue | 08/07-08/08 | More 
Alternative culture convention filled with indie films, darkwave music, and vendors.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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