Morning
Omaha
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ During 2025, First Alert 6 reporter Mike McKnight helped Omaha residents fix local issues (mail delays, unsafe soccer fields, and hazardous cable near Bellevue) through targeted investigations, and he began his 49th year on Friday. WOWT
- ➤ North Omaha nonprofits will get $294,602 from the Nebraska Convention Center Financing Assistance Act for historic, business and safety projects, while Omaha native Darya Kaboli-Nejad launches The Soraya Foundation to help former student-athletes, Open Door Mission served 900 meals, and the Community Foundation accepts 2026 funding apps (Jan. 1 to Mar. 1). Grow Omaha
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Clase Código has opened in the refurbished Applebee’s space at 3350 South 143rd Plaza, serving modern Mexican dishes focused on flavor and hospitality. The restaurant, which earned a high rating in its first few weeks, plans to build a strong presence in Omaha before expanding. Grow Omaha
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A University of Nebraska-Lincoln report estimates that Tyson Foods closing its Lexington plant on or around Jan. 20 will cost the state $3.28 billion a year, with over 7,000 jobs lost and tax revenues dropping (state income tax by $23.2 million annually and sales tax by $10 million). Nebraska Examiner
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A winter weather advisory was in effect Friday (2 p.m. to 10 p.m.) for most of the Omaha metro as freezing drizzle and a wintry mix made roads slick during the evening commute before light snow began falling after 7 p.m. with accumulations up to 1 inch. KETV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Board of Regents will meet on Jan. 9 in Lincoln to consider a proposal in which Clarkson Regional Health Services gives up half its rights in Nebraska Medicine. Under the plan, NU will pay $500M, buy land at $300M, and receive a $200M donation, giving the university full control. KETV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New kratom regulations took effect in Nebraska under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act this new year. Manufacturers must register products + include habit-forming warnings, a measure that a Nebraska mother says is too little after her son died using kratom for pain relief. WOWT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Omaha’s Dry Spokes (a sober bar founded by military member Mi-Ya Mata) offers creative mocktails and conversation games during Dry January to help patrons connect. The venue provides a welcoming alternative for those choosing non-alcoholic drinks. WOWT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Friday, Omaha Hockey lost 6-4 to No. 17 Cornell after scoring four unanswered goals before Cornell rallied in the third period. The teams will meet again today at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+ as the Mavericks aim to turn the tide. University of Nebraska Omaha
- ➤ No. 13 Nebraska edged No. 9 Michigan State 58-56 Friday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena in their first ranked-vs-ranked home game since 1991 (the Huskers hold an 18-game win streak) before preparing to face Ohio State at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 5. KETV
- ➤ Former Omaha hockey standout Jake Guentzel, who plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, was named to the U.S. men's hockey team for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics (announced Friday morning); he will make his Olympic debut as the team prepares for its first game on Feb. 12 against Latvia. KETV
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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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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