Morning
Omaha
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Nebraska Diaper Bank kicked off 2026 by receiving a large donation from Huggies to honor the National Diaper Bank Network’s 15th anniversary. Omaha World-Herald
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 1623 Farnam is expanding its downtown carrier hotel at 508 South 19th Street to add 5MW to its current 6MW capacity. The project, scheduled for completion in 2028, follows a $40 million renovation of the 10-story facility (with a 27,400 sqft parking structure). Grow Omaha
- ➤ Benjamin’s Neighborhood Kitchen will hold its grand opening on January 30 at 3623 North 129th Street in Eagle Run Plaza. The restaurant, operating in the former Copal Mexican Cuisine space, will offer 50-cent margaritas to the first 50 customers. Grow Omaha
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska’s unemployment rate stayed at 3.0 percent in December as non-farm employment fell by 5,489 jobs from last month, with trade, transportation, and utilities adding 1,623 new jobs (while private education and health grew 4,464 jobs over the year). KFAB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ St. Agnes Catholic School marked its 70th anniversary during Catholic Schools Week by hosting its first career fair, where alumni returned to share their career experiences with current students. The event aimed to inspire future career choices and strengthen community ties. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Westview High School in Bennington earned its first national title when its Robotics team won the JROTC Robotics National Championships on Monday, qualifying the team for the VEX World Championships in April in St. Louis. The school opened four years ago as part of Omaha Public Schools. WOWT
- ➤ On Jan. 27, the community marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Jewish Community Center with educational displays and lessons from the Institute for Holocaust Education (never again). Scott Littky said the event honored survivors and reminded residents of their duty to help each other. KETV
- ➤ UNO's online criminal justice master's program ranked No. 5 overall and No. 3 for veterans in the 2026 U.S. News Best Online Programs rankings (up one spot from last year), confirming its growing status as a leader in digital education. University of Nebraska Omaha
- ➤ Nebraska Gov Pillen proposed a law that would require third graders to retake the grade if they fail state reading tests unless they are in special education. The new measure, including small-group acceleration classes, will begin in fall 2027 — part of a broader education focus with federal support. Nebraska Examiner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska + Iowa lawmakers are urging to allow year-round E15 sales to help corn farmers combat low prices and high input costs. Rep. Don Bacon and Sen. Chuck Grassley support the proposal, which remains under review today. 3 News Now
- ➤ Tuesday's Census report shows Nebraska’s population increased 0.6% to 2,018,008 residents from July 2024 through June 2025, as international net migration fell to 6,599 and domestic losses narrowed from 1,498 to 366 + Josie Schafer of UNO noted the lower foreign inflow may challenge future growth. Nebraska Examiner
- ➤ The Nebraska Lottery reported that a $22,000 win from Monday’s 2by2 drawing occurred when a winning ticket was sold at the Hy-Vee near 108th and Fort streets in Omaha; the prize can be claimed within 180 days at the state’s headquarters in Lincoln. KETV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Lincoln-based DHHS reversed its plan to cap weekly hours for live-in family caregivers following Gov. Pillen’s directive (after extensive public input) to retain the 112-hour waiver limit. The department will accept public comments from Feb. 2-March 4 to further review the changes. Nebraska Examiner
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska men's basketball faced Michigan on Tuesday without key wing Braden Frager, who missed the game with an ankle sprain, while starting center Rienk Mast remained questionable. KETV
- ➤ The Big Ten announced Nebraska football's 2026 schedule Tuesday. The Huskers will start on Sept. 5 in nonconference play against Ohio, Bowling Green and North Dakota before hosting defending national champions and playing five conference road games throughout the fall. KETV
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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.
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New Music Monday Featuring Local Bands
7-8 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — All ages welcome — Enjoy an evening of fresh sounds with Minus All, Chasing Supernovas, and Free From Failure.
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Omaha Boat Sports and Travel Show 2026
5 PM – 4 PM — CHI Health Center — Registration required — Explore boats, watercraft, and exciting vacation getaways in the Great Outdoors.
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Bryce Vine Concert
8 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $35 ADV / $40 DOS — Enjoy a night of music on the 'Let's Do Something Stupid Tour' with VIP packages available.
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NCA Lunar New Year's Gala
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with an evening of cultural performances, music, and dance.
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Eagle Run Live Music
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Vino Mas — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of original tunes with Omaha's own singer-songwriter Mark Irvin.
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