Morning
Omaha
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dunkin presented a $7,500 check to the Open Door Mission today after Omaha-area fifth grader Grayson Thomas inspired a donation drive (free donut Fridays generated funds). The gift will help provide about 3,700 meals for people facing homelessness and poverty. WOWT
- ➤ Michael Yanney, a respected community leader who founded Partnership 4 Kids, died this weekend at 92; he is remembered for his decades-long mentorship and for driving local projects (including the Riverfront and UNMC) that uplift Omaha’s youth and neighborhoods. KETV
- ➤ Collective for Hope will open Omaha’s first grief center (80th and Chicago) this fall to offer free counseling and therapy for families facing loss. The center (doubling its current space) aims to remove financial barriers for anyone seeking support. WOWT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Multiple fire crews are battling a brush fire along I-29 near Nebraska City as heavy smoke is reported and a burn ban remains in effect in Douglas County (Crawford and Shelby counties in Iowa also face bans) due to warm, dry conditions. KETV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A trailer has been released for the road trip drama film Omaha starring John Magaro, which follows siblings after a family tragedy on a journey to the city. Filmed in Nebraska, Utah and Wyoming, it will hit select theatres April 24 — a new spotlight for Omaha. KFAB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hillside Fund is launching a curbside composting program in Omaha’s City Council District 3 to provide home bins year-round and aims for 1,500 household sign-ups by the end of 2026. The nonprofit will offer sponsorships to cover the $35 monthly fee—ensuring cost does not block participation. KETV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Although voters approved medical cannabis in 2024, Nebraska was left out of new federal protections and local advocates (including Dan Osborn and John Cavanaugh) are urging lawmakers to introduce further legislation to support patients and caregivers. 3 News Now
- ➤ Fire departments in eastern Nebraska have issued burn bans in response to dry conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures. The restrictions are in effect today during the afternoon and evening to help prevent the rapid spread of fires. WOWT
- ➤ Nebraska Snapshot from the University of Nebraska Lincoln shows that fewer than half of Nebraskans say the state or the nation is on track, with state optimism remaining stronger than nationwide views. The survey covers opinions from early 2020 to 2025. WOWT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ CHI Health plans to open a new central kitchen in a long-vacant building at 20th and Lake streets, expected to launch in 2027. The $14 million, 19,000 sqft facility will cook nearly 2,800 patient meals a day plus may employ up to 100 North Omaha residents. KETV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Burlington Capital kept the historic 1948 building (once the practice of Omaha’s first Black veterinarian) as the entrance for a new 329-unit apartment complex called The Arthur near 48th and Dodge. The renovation preserved art modern details while adding updated amenities and pet-friendly spaces. WOWT
- ➤ CHI Health Center’s $200 million expansion project reached a milestone when its final beam was placed Monday. The project will add 25 meeting rooms in downtown Omaha to attract larger conventions when completed in fall 2027. 3 News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska men's basketball is ranked in the AP Top 25 for 10 straight weeks after falling two spots to No. 9 in the latest poll released Monday — NU with a 22-3 record will play Iowa today before hosting Penn State on Saturday. KETV
- ➤ Omaha Softball reached No. 1 in the D1 Softball Mid-Major Ranking on Monday after a strong five-game weekend in San Diego, extending its unbeaten streak to 11 games. The Mavericks will face Kennesaw State (8:30 a.m. CT) Friday in Troy, Alabama. University of Nebraska Omaha
- ➤ The Aksarben Curling Club has doubled its membership over five years and is seeking its own facility to expand programs (including wheelchair curling and after-school sessions). Currently, the club shares ice time at Baxter Arena, limiting its available programs. 3 News Now
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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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Omaha Kings & Queens Pro Indoor Soccer
3-5 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Omaha Kings take on the Minnesota Blizzard followed by the Omaha Queens facing the Kansas Astras in an exciting indoor soccer showdown.
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Kaivon Concert
8-11 p.m. — Slowdown — Check for ticket prices — Experience the melodic energy and danceability of Kaivon's music live on stage.
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An Evening With Toto
7:00 PM — Orpheum Theater — Tickets starting at $90 — Experience the legendary hits of Toto live in concert.
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Johnny Suite Live Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — Slowdown — Ticket info TBA — Experience the island reggae vibes of Johnny Suite from Hawaii.
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Therapy Dogs
6-7:30 p.m. — Student Center — Free entry — Take a break and enjoy some stress-relief with friendly therapy dogs on campus.
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The Work Lab Healthcare Roundtable
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Security National Bank - 3 Pacific Place — Free entry — Engage in a practical discussion on transforming healthcare work culture and exploring alternative employer-sponsored healthcare models.
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