Morning
Omaha
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tylina Cookman-Booth has benefited from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, which connected about 900 metro youth to mentors over 65 years. More than 100 youth still wait for a match during National Mentoring Month, and Tylina plans to pursue a master’s degree after her final semester. 3 News Now
- ➤ The Henry Doorly Zoo opened its new Bill & Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital today to expand on-site veterinary care for its animals. Omaha World-Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Casinos across the region have launched a petition drive (announced today) to allow digital sports betting, expanding options beyond in-casino machines. The effort could pave the way for updated wagering methods throughout Nebraska. WOWT
- ➤ Szechwan Bistro had its soft opening on Jan. 13 at 9820 South 71st Plaza in Papillion and will hold its grand opening on Jan. 16 near 72nd & Cornhusker. The Chinese restaurant will serve Sichuan-style dishes including mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, twice-cooked pork and vegan options. Grow Omaha
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dreamland Lounge, a jazz-inspired venue at 3927 Ames next to Southern Spoon, will open this year with a soft opening in February and a grand opening in April; it will feature live music, art installations, and cultural events under owners Sahil Sethi and Katie Raine. Grow Omaha
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Westview High School are using a new program that lets them examine test scores, attendance, and behavior records with IXL for extra practice as Principal Thomas Lee explained the school’s goal of helping everyone succeed, and freshman Koomtes Xiong said the process builds skills for future tech careers. WOWT
- ➤ New Horizon Academy is building a 13,322 sqft daycare center for children (6 weeks to 59 months old) at 16770 Willit Street in far northwest Omaha and plans additional centers near 192nd and West Dodge Road and at 20618 R Street in the Coventry development. Grow Omaha
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Phil Rooney, Douglas County’s resource specialist, retired from the Health Department after nearly 19 years on the job. County officials—at a Tuesday meeting—praised his leadership through H1N1, Ebola, SARS and COVID. KETV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Residents at Dundee View Apartments had months of intermittent hot water before repairs restored the service over the weekend, Councilman Danny Begley said. The owner said an electrician will arrive next Tuesday + rent credits have been provided. WOWT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska reportedly added former LSU offensive lineman Paul Mubenga, a 6 ft 5 in, 317 lb sophomore with 11 career starts, from the transfer portal. The team also signed former Iowa State and South Carolina linemen as part of its offseason move. KETV
- ➤ Nebraska’s softball team was ranked No. 11 in Softball America’s preseason poll, and four players earned preseason honors, with senior pitcher Jordyn Frahm rated No. 2 + top two-way player. The team will open its season on Feb. 6 at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio. WOWT
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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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Dumpling Festival Omaha
5-9 p.m. — Various Restaurants — Tasting plates available — Savor a diverse array of dumplings from multiple cuisines at Omaha's premier food tour.
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
Most people overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what they can do in a decade.
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