Morning
Omaha
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former boxing champ Terence 'Bud' Crawford retired from boxing and will expand his B&B Sports Academy into a community education and recreation hub in Omaha. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ The Omaha Economic Development Corporation will host a Listening Session on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 6:00 p.m. at The Venue at Highlander (2120 North 30th Street) to update residents on progress and land acquisition for the North Omaha Airport Business Park near Eppley Airfield. Grow Omaha
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A vape shop CEO said Generation V removed half its products from Nebraska stores after a bill mandating product registration took effect on Jan. 1, causing its Council Bluffs location to see sales jump 59% as customers shopped in Iowa (a change aimed at protecting minors and ensuring quality). KETV
- ➤ Local zero waste shop Exist Green, set up in 2019 in Dundee’s renovated 1907 home, offers refill products, a rewards program—earning earthies for each refill—and a discount day tailored to college students coming soon. The Gateway
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Terence 'Bud' Crawford was named the 2025 Midlander of the Year by the Omaha World-Herald for his global legacy + strong local ties. He received this recognition last year, highlighting his contributions to our community. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ The Blackstone District is hosting the seventh annual Great Reuben Debate from Jan. 10 to 24. Local restaurants (including Cheeseburgers, Crescent Moon, and Cunningham’s) will offer their own takes on the Reuben (invented in the 1920s) as fans vote for the best version. Grow Omaha
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ After a government shutdown delay, Nebraska’s unemployment rate remained at 3% in November while Iowa’s fell to 3.5% (down from 3.7% in September) as the nationwide rate increased to 4.6%. WOWT
- ➤ Nebraska raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour at the start of 2026 (placing it ahead of many other states in the region), a change aimed at boosting worker pay. Omaha World-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Omaha Public Library will kick off its annual Reading Challenge on Friday with over 250 attendees expected at a party featuring book talks + crafts, snacks, and prizes. Visitors can pick up a bilingual booklet at any branch to track monthly prompts and expand their literary horizons. KETV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city has installed a new pole to support a traffic signal at the hazardous intersection of 50th and Northwest Radial after repeated crashes prompted calls for change. It will host a public open house in February as it studies roadway improvements for the NW Radial corridor. WOWT
- ➤ The Nebraska Board of Regents will meet Friday to consider NU President Jeffrey Gold’s proposal for the university to acquire control of Nebraska Medicine by buying Clarkson’s stake for $500M and its land for $300M—Clarkson would donate $200M, a move the Nebraska Medicine board opposes as a state takeover. KETV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At Film Streams today, UNMC College of Public Health Dean Dr. Ali Khan hosted the first Omaha Checkup screening of 2026, urging the public to trust science as measles cases rise both locally and nationwide (four cases have been reported in Platte County). Flatwater Free Press
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Platte + Pine Construction and Remodel has launched to help Omaha homeowners plan and build accessory dwelling units, and it is now scheduling free consultations for property owners in 2026. Founded by Nick Knihnisky (a local expert in ADU zoning), the firm also offers kitchen, bathroom and basement remodels. Grow Omaha
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Omaha Men's Basketball will honor former player Deng Mayar by wearing special shirts reading 'No Rain, No Flowers' as they face North Dakota today at 7 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena + Dean 'The Dream' Thompson will lead the pregame entrance. 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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