Morning
Omaha
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A sign declaring landmark status was placed at the sinkhole near 16th and Farnam today, marking one year since it opened. The mayor’s office said the damage has been fixed and the city awaits repairs to the Regis building before the alley can be repaved. KETV
- ➤ South Omaha community advocate Shanda Kohler, known for her Facebook page (We Are South Omaha), died suddenly from influenza A, and her family is determined to carry on her legacy in the neighborhood. WOWT
- ➤ South Omaha community advocate Shanda Kohler, who helped neighbors and organized local fundraising via her Facebook page, died last week from influenza A at 51—her final post urged residents to get flu shots. Her legacy leaves a lasting impact on many families in the area. WOWT
- ➤ An Omaha family is honoring Shanda Kohler, a volunteer who died from flu complications. A public visitation is today at 6 p.m. at Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Funeral Home, followed by a vigil at 7 p.m., a celebration of life Saturday at 11 a.m. and a mass Tuesday at 10 a.m. KETV
- ➤ Neighbors gathered at Schramm State Park Thursday morning for the annual First Day Hike, a free event that has been a community tradition since 1992 and brought families and dogs together to celebrate the new year with fresh air. 3 News Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Omaha's New Year's Eve fireworks show was cut short on Dec. 31 when someone tripped over a cord near the firing zone (no injuries were reported), and police are investigating the incident. KIOS
- ➤ Officials said a person disrupted New Year's Eve fireworks after emerging from the Missouri River bank near the firing zone, tripping over a cord that disabled part of the display; security quickly secured the area and police are investigating the incident. KETV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Taqueria El Rey will remodel the former Burger King at 11325 West Dodge Road into its second restaurant, expanding from its South Omaha Main Street Business District location; the 3,800 sqft building was purchased earlier this year and the business also runs food trucks. Grow Omaha
- ➤ ACX Cinema 12+ has transformed its former lounge into Backlot Sports+ Bar that now offers full menu service with food from the neighboring Backlot Pizza+Kitchen and hosts private events at 6200 South 205th Street. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Grow Omaha Media saw a 138% boost in its audience during 2025, with the site recording 991,693 users and 2.94 million page-views while its Weekly Market Report gained 24,798 subscribers (covering major stories like the streetcar and Eppley Airfield expansion). Grow Omaha
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNO offers tips for online learning in the new year by suggesting varied techniques such as multimedia lessons, active study sessions with the Pomodoro technique, and micro-credential courses to boost professional skills. University of Nebraska Omaha
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Omaha men's basketball fell 84-69 to SDSU in their Summit League opener Thursday night in Brookings. Paul Djobet scored 22 points & Julian Margrave added 14 in a tied first half, but SDSU's rebounding sealed the loss, and Omaha hosts Kansas City at home Saturday at 7 p.m. University of Nebraska Omaha
- ➤ The Nebraska Huskers lost 44-22 to No. 15 Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl yesterday, ending their season on a three-game losing streak. New coaches made the trip as the team adjusted its strategy following the game. WOWT
- ➤ The Nebraska Huskers lost 44-22 to No. 15 Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Jan. 1, with several new coaches joining the team during the game. WOWT
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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