Morning
Omaha
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Omaha Chamber now offers Growth Consultations where local business owners can discuss expansion plans and work through challenges. Leaders meet one-on-one with the Chamber’s Economic Development team to gain clear, actionable steps + valuable resources for moving their business forward. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Blue Hawaii—located at 1301 S. 72nd St in Aksarben—serves authentic Hawaiian dishes like sushi tacos, poke bowls and grilled plates; it offers student discounts and owner Peter Pan will announce a new restaurant concept soon. Grow Omaha
- ➤ m'bellish, a women’s clothing boutique, opened at 810 North 120th Street near 120th & Blondo next to Taxi’s Grille & Bar. The store, owned by Rachel Blum and Patricia Longacre, also features The Pink Needle Embroidery plus local vendors Finch Leather Goods and Drzaic Eye Jewelry. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Fidelity Investments will open an office in a new 5,885 sqft building under construction later this year in Heartwood Preserve at 166 North 144th Street. The free-standing building sits between Starbucks Coffee & First Watch and comes with a 15-year lease. Grow Omaha
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ North Omaha's historic Trimble Castle, once a safe haven for Black travelers during Jim Crow, was added to the National Register on Dec. 18. Owner Wesley Dacus said he plans to pass the fourplex to a child when he turns 80 (he welcomes community visitors to explore its history). Flatwater Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Deremer visited the Omaha metro on Wednesday. She toured Union Pacific, which awaits final approval for its Norfolk Southern acquisition, and Iowa Western Community College where an apprenticeship program started this week. KETV
- ➤ Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. declared 2026 the Year of the Neighbor to launch a citywide campaign that encourages acts of kindness and connection with monthly themes starting in January. Residents can share stories of neighborly help via email or social media using goodneighborOMA. KETV
- ➤ Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. announced plans to give city employees one hour of paid time off each week for youth mentorship at Girls Inc. on Tuesday, aiming to reduce the waitlist affecting over 2,500 local youth — a step to boost community support. KETV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Henry Doorly Zoo opened the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital, a 32,000 sqft facility with a CT scanner and new surgical suite for advanced animal care. The animal health team started using the hospital now and will move in early February (the facility is not open to the public). Grow Omaha
- ➤ Boys Town researchers received a grant to test a new AI model that uses a light scan to create more comfortable hearing aid molds for nearly 4,000 local children. Testing is planned for this summer + if the trial succeeds the technology will be introduced nationally and abroad. WOWT
- ➤ Local health officials report a spike in respiratory illnesses as changing weather weakens immune systems — they advise residents to get vaccinated and maintain healthy habits. WOWT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Husker Ndamukong Suh will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as one of 22 new members announced Wednesday. He becomes the 21st Nebraska player honored — the fourth defensive lineman — extending his legacy from a standout 2009 season. KETV
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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
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