Wednesday, January 1st, 2025

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Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Omaha celebrated the end of 2024 with a fireworks display at Riverfront Park, marking the 25th anniversary of the Holiday Lights Festival. WOWT
- ➤ Omaha faces a severe weather forecast with expected snow and cold, mourns an elderly woman after a tragic fire, and prepares for New Year's Eve celebrations with fireworks and various events. WOWT
- ➤ Omaha Police emphasize the risks of celebratory gunfire during New Year's festivities, highlighting their zero-tolerance policy on illegal gun use. KFAB
- ➤ The top 'feel good' stories of 2024 from Omaha include a restaurant reopening after a fire, a father meeting his daughter after 50 years, a restaurant becoming employee-owned, a father's hope for his son in prison, a rare direct organ donation, and an 80th birthday tractor display. WOWT
- ➤ In 2024, Omaha showcased significant development highlights including the Joslyn Art Museum reopening, a new Costco, zoo exhibit expansions, major road and bridge projects, a new indoor waterpark in Bellevue, and a $950 million expansion of Eppley Airfield. WOWT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 76-year-old Nancy Dugan died following a house fire in Omaha's Benson neighborhood, with firefighters also rescuing a cat from the scene. Omaha World-Herald
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A male was hospitalized following a shooting near an AutoZone in Omaha. WOWT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Nebraska at Omaha defunds six student agencies speaking for underrepresented groups due to inappropriate spending, prompting a policy review. The Gateway
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa experience a historic number of tornado warnings and severe weather events, marking the most intense season since records started in 1986. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Nebraska experienced a year of significant weather events in 2024, including severe storms, flooding, a spectacular solar eclipse, and multiple tornadoes. WOWT
WELLNESS NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR BetterHelp makes getting support simple and practical. They match people with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and sessions happen by phone, video, or chat from wherever life takes you. For a limited time, get 25% off your first month. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Morning Omaha.
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RTG on Center – ROCK’N Bingo Night
This event features a fun music bingo night at RTG on Center in Omaha, organized by Game Night Live, promising an enjoyable evening for participants.
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Bennie and the Gents: A Tribute to David Bowie
Bennie & The Gents will perform a legendary tribute to David Bowie, featuring an evening filled with music and showmanship.
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Up the Irons - Iron Maiden Tribute Concert
This event features an Iron Maiden tribute band, Up The Irons, along with special guests Brave The Fall, at the Reverb Lounge in Omaha.
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Graphic Design Certificate Program in Omaha, NE
The Graphic Design Certificate program at the American Graphics Institute provides hands-on training in design principles and practical skills, facilitating careers in graphic design and related fields.
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Trivia Night at RTG on Center
GNL Trivia Night features engaging trivia games at RTG on Center, a popular venue in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Lynn Painter Author Event at Sozo Coffeehouse
Lynn Painter, a New York Times bestselling author known for her romantic comedies, will host an author event at Sozo Coffeehouse.
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Magnum Wrestling: Magnum Forever Event
Magnum Wrestling presents an exciting showcase of wrestling that combines athleticism and performance at the German American Society in Omaha, Nebraska.
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2025 Omaha Kings & Queens Indoor Soccer Match
The 2025 Omaha Kings & Omaha Queens Pro Indoor Soccer event will take place at Baxter Arena, showcasing local soccer talent in a competitive environment.
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New Music Monday Showcase
New Music Mondays is a free concert series featuring emerging musical acts, providing a platform for local talent to perform and connect with audiences.
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Music Bingo Night at RTG on Center
Experience a fun-filled evening of Music Bingo at RTG on Center in Omaha, Nebraska, hosted by Game Night Live.
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Welcome to the Morning Omaha, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Omaha, Nebraska community. If you like the Morning Omaha, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Omaha.
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