Morning
Omaha
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ St. Peter Catholic Church will hold a vigil Friday at 7 p.m. and a funeral Mass Saturday at 10 a.m. to honor Deacon John James Zak, who served the church for over 25 years. WOWT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A report from the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands shows that nonprofits in Nebraska generated $23.1 billion in revenue and employ one in ten workers, rivaling private industries in economic impact. The report also found that 57% of Nebraskans donated last year (above the national rate) to support community initiatives. WOWT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNO students with dietary restrictions face inconsistent options at campus dining, as junior Angelique Vargas notes that breakfast choices at Scott Cafe are reliable while lunch and dinner vary; she and sophomore Maria Butler now seek local eateries (like Veg Edible in Benson) that better cater to their needs. The Gateway
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Cottonwood fire scorched 122,000 acres south of I-80 — one of four major wildfires burning across Nebraska that together affected over 750,000 acres statewide. Officials are closely monitoring the situation. WOWT
- ➤ Fire crews from Omaha and Lincoln are battling the Morrill wildfire in western Nebraska — flames have burned over 572,000 acres near Alliance, remain uncontained, and a grandmother died while trying to escape as a statewide burn ban holds until March 27. KETV
- ➤ Nebraska wildfires continue to grow as the Morrill Fire has burned 572,000 acres in several counties — firefighters report moderate progress but warn that rising temperatures and low humidity later this week may spur more active fire behavior; the Cottonwood, Road 203 and Anderson Bridge fires remain uncontained. Nebraska Public Media
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is helping farmers and ranchers affected by wildfires by offering relief items such as hay, feed and fencing while updating disaster relief information. The agency said wildfires burned over 700,000 acres Monday and urged affected producers to call 1-800-831-0550. WOWT
- ➤ Omaha joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities when Mayor Ewing signed the commitment at Fabric Lab. The city is asking residents 45+ to complete a survey available online and at library branches through May 1 to shape future changes in housing, transit and outdoor spaces. WOWT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska is seeing a 30% rise in help requests during Problem Gambling Awareness Month as NCAA Tournament betting heats up. Mike Sciandra, Executive Director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, said young people face high risks — free counseling is offered through the state program. 3 News Now
-
LOVB Atlanta vs. LOVB Nebraska
7-8 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Tickets start at $28 — Enjoy an exciting volleyball match featuring LOVB Atlanta and LOVB Nebraska.
-
Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
7-8 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Student discounts available — Watch the legendary Globetrotters perform dazzling tricks and entertain with their unique brand of basketball.
-
University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks Softball Game
2-6 p.m. — Connie Claussen Field — Cost info not provided — Catch the excitement as the Mavericks take the field for an afternoon of softball action.
-
University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks Softball Event
2-6 p.m. — Connie Claussen Field — Free entry — Catch the exciting Maverick softball team in action at home.
-
University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks Softball Game
12-3 p.m. — Connie Claussen Field — Free entry — Catch the excitement as the Mavericks take on their rivals in a thrilling softball matchup.
-
Hot Flash Heat Wave Concert
7-10 p.m. — Slowdown — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of The Credentials in an intimate setting.
-
University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks Softball Game
6-9 p.m. — Connie Claussen Field — Cost info not available — Come cheer on the Mavericks as they hit the diamond for an exciting softball matchup.
-
Clarence Tilton Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Slowdown — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical storytelling of Clarence Tilton and Flyway Cafe featuring Presley Tucker.
-
Greater Omaha Orchid Society's Annual Orchid Show and Sale
10 AM – 4 PM — Lauritzen Gardens — Entry fee applies — Explore stunning orchid displays and discover unique varieties at this beloved community event.
-
GenX Takeover Comedy Tour
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Holland Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Generation X with hilarious standup from vibrant voices in comedy.
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
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Morning Omaha
Welcome to the Morning Omaha, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Omaha, Nebraska community. If you like the Morning Omaha, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Omaha.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Omaha and across Nebraska. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Morning Omaha
A free Omaha community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://morningomaha.com/sitemap