Morning
Omaha
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Neighbors in Little Italy expressed their sorrow after a historic home was demolished overnight (leaving an empty lot where a century-old house once stood). WOWT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Werner Enterprises has joined forces with FirstFleet in a $245 million cash deal+ calling it a strategic acquisition. WOWT
- ➤ The Next Chapter Books and Gifts, a family-run store near 25th and Farnam, is seeing fewer customers as streetcar construction diverts traffic; the project will finish by year-end and may boost business when complete. WOWT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ King Elementary in North Omaha hosted KMTV's annual book fair, If You Give a Child a Book, where 360 students each picked five books to boost their home libraries (a record effort by local supporters). The program began in 2017 to spark a love of reading. 3 News Now
- ➤ UNO Chancellor Joanne Li said that careful planning helped the university achieve a planned $1.9 million reduction by adjusting vacant and retiring positions without cutting full-time jobs. The campus will form a Financial Planning Task Force (to guide future budgeting) to manage resources amid ongoing challenges. University of Nebraska Omaha
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska families remain worried after the state dropped the 40-hour caregiver cap yet imposed a new annual funding limit of 150% of nursing home costs for at-home care and public comment begins Feb. 2—state officials say exceptions will be available for care provided outside the home. WOWT
- ➤ OPPD’s North Omaha coal plant continues operating after its retirement delay as management points to a study showing no significant risk from air toxics — experts argue the narrow report overlooks broader health issues and a board member will partner with the Douglas County Health Department to review them. Flatwater Free Press
- ➤ Harney Street (15th to 17th) and 16th Street (Farnam to Howard) in downtown Omaha are closed until Feb. 4 for utility upgrades to aging lines needed ahead of the Orpheum Theatre's busy season. Pedestrian access remains open while drivers are advised to follow alternate routes. WOWT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ira Combs, a leader in local healthcare, died over the weekend — he founded the North Omaha Area Health Clinic and built a legacy in advocacy and community education. WOWT
- ➤ UNMC and Nebraska Medicine leaders are working to rebuild trust after an $800 million deal and board changes, stressing that healing remains necessary while they align on their shared mission. Omaha World-Herald
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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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