Morning
Omaha
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Over 3,000 people celebrated the start of 2026 at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo's Noon Year's Eve event + families gathered to mark the New Year early with festive activities. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Chris Wolf was named 2025 Citizen of the Year for her longtime community service that has inspired her to lead more local projects. The award honors her heartfelt dedication to helping neighbors. Omaha World-Herald
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The National Safety Council warns that extended holiday travel could push projected traffic deaths to 429 nationwide; Omaha drivers are advised to rest, buckle up + drive defensively and leave extra space when behind the wheel. KETV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Warren Buffett, 95, retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway today after 60 years at the helm, and Greg Abel—who has managed the non-insurance side—will take over daily operations. This leadership change marks the end of an era for the local business giant. WOWT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Marcus Majestic — off 144th and West Maple — will screen the 'Stranger Things' finale on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with showings at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and include a food voucher. KETV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, SNAP recipients in Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Utah & West Virginia face new purchase restrictions on soda, candy, and certain prepared foods under state waivers designed to curb diet-related illnesses. Each state will assess the changes over two years with an option to extend them for three more. KETV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials confirmed a measles case in Platte County involving an unvaccinated household member linked to a Tuesday case of a child from Arizona. Exposures occurred at Shell Creek Baptist Church on Dec. 24 & Columbus Community Hospital ER on Dec. 29. KETV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska met Utah at Allegiant Stadium in the Las Vegas Bowl yesterday. The Huskers, entering at 7-5, kept a 4-0 record against the 10-2 Utes while seeking their 28th bowl win. KETV
- ➤ Utah defeated Nebraska 44+22 at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 31, as the Huskers (7-5 entering the game) struggled while freshman quarterback TJ Lateef recorded 182 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The loss drops Nebraska’s bowl record to 27-28. KETV
- ➤ Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef said he plans to improve his game and offseason routine after a 44-22 loss to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. The freshman (focused on lessons from his last four games) also praised Mekhi Nelson’s key touchdown. KETV
- ➤ On Dec. 31, the Huskers prepared to face the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl in Sin City. Head coach Matt Rhule said the team aimed for a win to boost momentum for next season and the preview show aired at 1 p.m. KETV
- ➤ Nebraska's Huskers will play 15th-ranked Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium as the team aims to finish its season on a high note. Fans in Omaha and beyond are following live updates (current scores are streaming) as the contest unfolds. WOWT
- ➤ After Nebraska lost to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, Coach Rhule said the Huskers showed effort but faltered in execution in Las Vegas, and he warned that team stability is challenged by the transfer portal (The portal giveth, and the portal taketh away). KETV
- ➤ Omaha Hockey will open 2026 on the road against No. 17 Cornell at Lynah Rink in Ithaca, N.Y. The team will play on Jan. 2-3 with radio coverage on 1290 KOIL & Varsity Network and streaming on ESPN+. University of Nebraska Omaha
- ➤ In a close Summit League opener Wednesday night, Omaha women's basketball led for less than two minutes but lost 61-59 to Kansas City as freshman Regan Juenemann scored a career-best 27 points. The team will host South Dakota State on Saturday at 4 p.m. CT. University of Nebraska Omaha
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North Dakota State Bison vs. Omaha Mavericks Mens Basketball
1-3 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Check ticket pricing for entry — Experience an exciting college basketball showdown featuring local teams.
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Breakfast Club - Ripple Intent
8:00-9:30 a.m. — MCL Construction — Register online — Explore how self-awareness and practice can drive positive change in our lives.
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Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Rose Theater — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer in a unique candlelit setting.
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New Music Monday
8-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — All ages — Enjoy live performances from Unthroned, Ugly Lotus, and Omkara on a night of fresh sounds.
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Omaha Westside vs. Papillion-LaVista JV Basketball Game
7:15 p.m. — Papillion-La Vista High School — Free entry — Watch the Papillion-LaVista JV basketball team take on Omaha Westside in an exciting home conference matchup.
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Colorado College Tigers at Nebraska Omaha Mavericks Men's Hockey
7:07-9:07 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting matchup as college hockey teams battle on the ice.
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New Music Monday
8-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — All ages welcome — Discover fresh sounds from local talent Moon Pigeons, Blind Cassidy, Wayne Famous & The Dangerous Moment.
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A View Venues 10th Annual Vendor Night
5:30-8:30 p.m. — A View on State — Free entry — Celebrate a decade of vendors with food, fun, and inspiration for your next event.
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Omaha Men's Basketball vs. South Dakota State
7-9 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Cost Info — Witness a thrilling college basketball matchup featuring Omaha taking on South Dakota State.
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Couple Shuffle - Omaha
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Seymour Smith Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate love and fitness with a Valentine themed race featuring 2-mile, 5k, and 10k options.
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