Morning
Omaha
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Omaha-based nonprofit Partners for Livable Omaha completed its OurStory Small Houses program and piloted an architectural internship with Actual Architecture Co. and UNL College of Architecture, along with a design exhibition funded by a 2025 AARP grant—construction on two aging-ready small homes in Benson-Country Club began last year. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Visit Omaha has released the free 2026 Visitors Guide that highlights new attractions, restaurants, events, and neighborhoods for locals and visitors, with nearly 190,000 copies distributed last year (including over 4,000 online requests and 540 downloads) showing strong community interest. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Henry Doorly Zoo has opened a new $45 million animal hospital designed to treat its 39,000 animals, from small insects to large mammals. The facility offers updated care for species such as lions + primates, as well as hoof stock. Omaha World-Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Actors Mike Nappi and Elijah Caldwell from the Broadway tour of Shucked taught First Alert 6's Maria Cade a corn kickline during an interview yesterday + their brief demonstration shared a signature move from the production. WOWT
- ➤ Broadway musical Shucked, about corn, arrives in Omaha as part of its first national tour, with actors Mike Nappi and Elijah Caldwell featured in an interview with Maria Cade from First Alert 6. The production offers a humorous take on corn culture and is drawing local interest. WOWT
- ➤ Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomed Neville, a 3-year-old southern white rhino from San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who is settling in with 38-year-old Mashile — visitors should look for the pair this spring as they may not be visible through winter. WOWT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Adams Elementary at Omaha Public Schools received a 2025 national award for boosting academic achievement among disadvantaged students and became one of two Nebraska schools recognized. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ On Jan. 12, the Gretna Board of Education elected new officials and approved policy updates, legal appointments, and contracts for school projects — finishing land payment for a future elementary school near 216th Street and Cornhusker Road and updating facilities at Gretna Elementary, including a new track expected by March 1. Flatwater Free Press
- ➤ Kids Can's unique literacy mentorship pairs fourth grader Savannah with mentor Alicia Tutini for weekly sessions that blend reading skills with creative projects + the program, now in its second year, aims to boost literacy as Nebraska reading gaps grow. WOWT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved a deal on Jan. 15 to purchase Clarkson Regional Health Services’ share of Nebraska Medicine for $800 million plus $300 million for nearby UNMC properties. Officials said changes to the transaction may be discussed. The Gateway
- ➤ Mayor John Ewing will direct city departments to prioritize small + emerging businesses for upcoming construction and trade contracts under $50,000, a policy designed to boost local work opportunities. The change takes effect immediately in the community. Omaha World-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jordan Larson retired from volleyball after a 17-year career at the end of the LOVB Nebraska season, prompting the club to launch the Kae Community Award to honor her legacy. Creighton Athletics is naming a new 50,000 sqft facility 'The Bill' in honor of longtime donor Bill Scott. Grow Omaha
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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.
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Smooth Sounds of Santana Concert
8 PM — Holland Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the authentic tribute to Carlos Santana's legendary fusion of rock and world music.
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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