Morning
Omaha
Saturday, July 19th, 2025
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium will host its first Zoofari post-pandemic event on September 12th to raise funds for animal care and conservation—Zoofari co-chairs Rachel Warner and Nicole Leathers said the event will offer a guided evening tour featuring gourmet food stations, interactive animal encounters, live music, and a 400-drone show. KETV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are discussing a merger to form North America's largest freight railroad linking the East and West coasts. The talks began in the first quarter of 2025 and the proposed deal, which would combine the largest and smallest among the six major railroads, will face a lengthy review by the Surface Transportation Board — both companies declined to comment. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Westlake Ace Hardware will open its relocated store Monday, July 21 in Westgate Plaza southeast of 84th & Hascall Street after its current space at 8425 West Center Road permanently closes on Sunday. The move will give the store more room for indoor merchandise and added outdoor space for lawn and garden items. Grow Omaha
- ➤ The Wandering Page — a new literary café at 3925 Farnam St — offers crafted coffee, pastries and books for every reader. Owners Amber Henson and Yajaira 'Jay' Vacanti opened the shop recently and serve customers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. KETV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday evening, Nebraska man Mario Nikprelaj, 23, was charged after he tried to open an emergency exit door on a flight from Omaha to Detroit— the flight made an emergency landing at Eastern Iowa Airport around 6 p.m.—and he now faces charges including disorderly conduct, assault, tax stamp violation and first-degree harassment. Omaha World-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At UNO, the Election Commission threw out all votes for the winning Torch ticket and gave the student presidency to the losing Unify UNO team after 50 votes were thrown out because messages were seen as false—students and experts called the process unfair and demanded clearer rules and an investigation into possible vote leaks—raising concerns about future campus elections. Nebraska Examiner
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Nebraska Humane Society will operate a drive-through clinic offering free wellness exams, vaccinations + microchips to pets, with services provided at no cost. Omaha World-Herald
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Omaha-area homeowners are facing financial hardship after Davis Custom Builders abruptly closed, leaving customers like Tom and Mary Bequette with unfinished homes and over $800,000 in lost payments—forcing them to live in an RV while their rebuild plans remain delayed. Their hardship deepened after a tornado left them vulnerable, and the family said the builder took advantage of their situation. WOWT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ In the latest episode of The Showdown, Sam McKewon and Amie Just preview next week’s Big Ten media days by discussing key storylines from the Husker sports scene. They focus on quarterback rankings and changes in Nebraska volleyball’s play style—offering local sports fans important insights. Omaha World-Herald
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Omaha Triathlon State Championships 2025
12:00–3:30 p.m. — Lake Cunningham — Registration fees vary — Celebrate 16 years of Nebraska's only Olympic Distance Triathlon amidst scenic surroundings.
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The Prisoner Wine Company Tasting & Pairing Dinner
6 p.m. — Legacy Chophouse — $150 per person — Experience a rebellious four-course dinner paired with the dangerously smooth wines of The Prisoner Wine Company.
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Tyler Childers Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — CHI Health Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of live music with Tyler Childers.
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Night Market Hosted by Veridian Credit Union
6-10 p.m. — Turner Park — Free entry — Experience local vendors, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere at Omaha’s Night Market.
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Banda El Recodo Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Liberty First Credit Union Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Banda El Recodo, the legendary Mexican music group.
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Jenny Haniver Live Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — Slowdown — $10 — Experience the captivating instrumental landscapes of Portland's Jenny Haniver as they blend ambient music with aggressive dynamics.
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Omaha Days All Star Comedy Jam
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with top comedians like Lavell Crawford and Gary Owen in Omaha's premier venue.
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Hinder - Back to Life Tour Part II
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Barnato — Price TBA — Rock out with Hinder as they bring their back to life tour to Omaha.
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JoJo Siwa Concert
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Steelhouse Omaha — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant pop sounds of JoJo Siwa in an unforgettable live performance.
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Comic Con Nebraska
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — CHI Health Center — Tickets from $26 — Celebrate comics, creators, and fandom at Omaha's first Comic Con.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
~ Carl Jung
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