Good morning, Omaha.

The zoo announced its first Rockhopper Penguin chick hatched during Thanksgiving week and grew 670% (thanks to its warm, fed parents).

Zoo keepers say more arrivals are coming soon so visitors can see new penguins on their next visit.

Omaha Mayor John Ewing announced on Wednesday that a passport program is now live to let locals win prizes by visiting businesses along the new streetcar route + the effort seeks to boost local commerce.

Laos Thai Restaurant at 4520 South 24th Street will close on Dec.

31 after more than 20 years of serving Asian food. The restaurant said a Facebook post cited family commitments (financial challenges and time limits) for the decision.

Broadway’s 'The Notebook' tour has stopped in Omaha, where First Alert 6’s Maria Cade interviewed cast members Chloë Cheers & Kyle Mangold on their roles as younger Allie and Noah.

The engaging stop brings live theater to local audiences.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents cut four academic programs at its Dec.

5 meeting after over 100 public comments drove a push to reduce recurring budget shortfalls. The board also approved mergers and postponed housing rate changes (a decision impacting courses in science, administration, statistics, and design).

UNO’s Dr. Craig S. Maher and co-authors received the Best Book Award from the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management on Dec.

11 for their book Understanding Municipal Fiscal Health (the culmination of over 15 years of research in UNO’s MPA program) that offers practical fiscal insights for local officials.

Federal guideline changes stalled lead cleanup efforts in Omaha this fall, leaving many homes with dangerous soil levels.

Local experts say no new timeline for remediation has been set (free soil testing is available).

On Monday, Dec. 15, Military Avenue between 70th Circle and 67th Street will close for six months for new culvert construction — work that will also upgrade sidewalks.

Drivers should use 60th Street to Ames Avenue, and the road will reopen by May.

Farnam Street between 20th and 24th has been closed since 10:00 a.m. Thursday for utility work and remains shut until further notice, so drivers are advised to use Dodge Street as an alternate route.

On Thursday, Creighton defeated Arizona State 3-1 in four sets in Lexington (a hard-fought Sweet 16 match), advancing to the Elite Eight.

They will face the winner of the Kentucky-Cal Poly game in the next round.

Holiday Cheers with Résonance

5-6:30 p.m. — Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge — Ticket price varies — Celebrate the holidays with food, drink, and music by your Omaha Symphony.

Parenting During the Holidays: Omaha Edition

2:30-4:00 p.m. — Jewish Community Center of Omaha — Inquire for costs — Gain practical tips for joyful parenting during the holiday season.

Rain - A Beatles Christmas Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — $83 — Experience the festive magic of The Beatles with a holiday twist at this unique tribute performance.

PWP Wrestling's Candy Cane Chaos

8 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Tickets start at $10 — Enjoy an exciting night of independent professional wrestling at PWP's festive event.

A Magical Cirque Christmas

7-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting blend of circus performances and Christmas nostalgia.

Mocktails and Mixes Workshop

5-8 p.m. — No More Empty Pots Food Hub — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of relaxation with mocktails, music, and fun games in a community setting.

Christmas at Zen West

9 AM – 12 PM — Zen Coffee Company West — Exclusive drinks and cookies available — Meet Santa while enjoying festive cocoa and cookie flights.

Omaha Street Dog Coalition Clinic

10-11 a.m. — Timberlake Outreach Center — Free service — Monthly veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness.

Dark Holiday 2025 with Moon Pigeons

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an electrifying evening with Moon Pigeons during the Dark Holiday 2025 concert.

Cards Of Destiny

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Backline Comedy Theatre — Voluntary audience participation — Enjoy a fast-paced improv competition featuring local comedians and chances for audience involvement.