Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Omaha leaders gathered Tuesday afternoon to announce that the Shine the Light on Hunger campaign raised $4.95 million and collected 216,237 pounds of food, promising over 15 million meals for families in need (benefiting the Food Bank for the Heartland during its busy December season). KETV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Taqueria Tijuana signed a lease at 307 North 114th Street for its third location, set to replace Which Wich in a 2,250 sqft space. The Mexican restaurant expands from its original South 24th shop and second at K Plaza, according to landlord representatives Todd and Will Schneidewind. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Francesca’s, a women’s boutique chain with over 25 years in business, will close its Omaha stores at Westroads Mall, Nebraska Crossing and Village Pointe—official closing dates have not been announced. Grow Omaha
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Cathedral Arts Project has announced the 41st Annual Flower Festival at Saint Cecilia Cathedral, running Jan. 22-25 with floral displays, musical performances and free public viewing (no tickets needed). The event features local designers and scheduled group tours (reservation required). KETV
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ The BBB reported that scam claims in Nebraska jumped 82% in 2025, with young adults facing increased risk. Danielle Shenk explained warning signs and urged residents to report suspicious activity (a step to improve consumer safety). WOWT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Omaha Fire Department is monitoring a vacant warehouse fire in South Omaha days after flames appeared, marking the second incident in five days. Fire Battalion Chief Kurt Theiler said deteriorating structures increase risks and the city’s ordinance requires property owners secure abandoned buildings. KETV
- ➤ Three downtown streets are closed for Omaha Streetcar construction. Farnam Street between 13th & 14th is shut for two weeks while 12th south of Harney and 16th southbound are closed for one month for sewer and water work. KIOS
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Omaha North girls basketball senior Justine Tcheuhchoua led her team to its first Metro Holiday Tournament title after five new transfers joined the squad (proving their strength during a four-game run in Arizona). The team now aims to qualify for its first state tournament since 2002. WOWT
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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.
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St. Thomas Tommies vs Omaha Mavericks Basketball
7-9 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticketed event — Witness an exciting college basketball match-up in Omaha.
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Family Battle Zone
6-9 p.m. — Papillion Landing Field House — Registration required — Families compete in various Nerf battles and fun games including capture the flag.
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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