Morning
Omaha
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Omaha firefighters held a funeral for Capt. John Olson (50) who served for 22 years and died in the line of duty from cancer complications. The service took place Wednesday morning at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, followed by a procession to Voss Mohr Cemetery. KETV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Family Fare Supermarket at 5110 South 108th Street in the Empire Park shopping center northwest of 108th & Q Streets will close permanently on March 6. Grow Omaha
- ➤ Brewed Philosophy Café opened Saturday, Feb. 14 at 519 South 13th Street in Old Market, offering classic coffee drinks and a Latin-inspired menu in limited hours as it ramps up operations. Grow Omaha
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement in downtown Omaha will open next month. The center at 11th and Dodge will host a ribbon cutting on Thursday, March 19 at 10 a.m., a free open house on Sunday, March 22 from noon to 4 p.m., and a Community Day on Saturday, April 11. WOWT
- ➤ The Specht Building, noted for its cast-iron facade and Italian Renaissance style, remains a cherished Omaha landmark after surviving fires and demolition proposals (now hosting apartments, design offices, and the Museum of Shadows near the Gene Leahy Mall). Grow Omaha
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Omaha Public Schools announced a $50.6 million shortfall for the 2026-27 school year after a Nebraska Department of Education error overpaid current aid. The district will use reserve funds and present its five-year forecast to the Board of Education today at 6 p.m. at the Teacher Administration Center. 3 News Now
- ➤ Omaha Youth 360 is now at Westview High School after success at Northwest High School. Program director Jennifer Clark said the initiative will soon reach all Omaha Public Schools to support teens — a step that Principal Thomas Lee and students welcome for its focus on leadership and mental health. KETV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents from Memorial Park in Dundee say the park’s dark evenings make evening walks unsafe. City official Jacquelyn Morrison said full lighting upgrades could take up five to 10 years — local neighborhoods may raise funds to speed improvements. WOWT
- ➤ University of Nebraska at Omaha updated the UNO Alert app with two security features, Mobile Blue Light + Chat with Dispatch, letting users share GPS locations and text dispatch when on campus. Both tools work only at UNO and UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campuses. University of Nebraska Omaha
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Omaha Westside won its second Class A girls wrestling state championship yesterday, Feb. 18 at the NSAA sanctioned tournament, marking a milestone for the program. WOWT
- ➤ At CHI Health Center (downtown venue) Wednesday night, NSAA girls state wrestling finals marked the sport’s fifth year with standout wins as Skutt’s Kaylyn Harrill earned her third consecutive gold at 120 pounds in Class A, while Omaha Westview’s Kalynn Lyons and others secured state titles. KETV
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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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Hercules Opera
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Handel’s timeless opera exploring themes of trust and betrayal as Hercules returns home victorious.
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