Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A local Habitat for Humanity worker moved into her dream home earlier this week—bringing early holiday cheer to a metro family. The new residence marks a milestone in the nonprofit's affordable housing efforts. WOWT
- ➤ Leaders from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Omaha Association of Black Professional Firefighters brought holiday gifts to seniors yesterday at the JC Wade Senior Villa. They sought to ease loneliness and honor local intergenerational care. KETV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ NYC Deli & Juice Bar will open its new location December 19 at 3949 North 132nd Street in Northwest Omaha, offering a free sandwich to the first 1,000 customers and a menu featuring cold-pressed juices, smoothies, milkshakes & house-made gelato. Grow Omaha
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ SNAP! Productions will bring Krampus Carol from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21 with director Kimberly Faith Hickman offering a holiday twist on Dickens' classic tale. The show promises a festive theater experience for local audiences. KIOS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Three UNO School of Accounting students (Glenda Bricko, Matt Norrie, and Logan Groesser) were awarded the IMA MEF grant and attended the national IMA Student Leadership Conference held in downtown Cleveland last November to build accounting skills and network with professionals. University of Nebraska Omaha
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NDOT officials remind drivers to check 511, fill their gas tank, and stay 200 feet away from plows — crews work year-round to prep roads for winter conditions in Omaha’s metro area. 3 News Now
- ➤ At today's Omaha Public Power District meeting, the board proposed a resolution to keep the North Omaha coal power plant running indefinitely to meet rising energy demand & ensure stable supply, while local community advocates express concerns about pollution and potential rate increases. Nebraska Examiner
- ➤ Omaha Public Works reopened eastbound Farnam at Blackstone and 38th Street Wednesday after utility upgrades ended the closure — commuters can now drive from Blackstone to Midtown while remaining work is scheduled to finish by year end. KETV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Omaha nurse practitioner Amy Belnap explained that shorter, darker days and holiday pressures can worsen symptoms of major depressive disorder, affecting sleep, appetite and joy. She urged those experiencing changes to consult their healthcare provider (new adjunct treatments may bolster oral antidepressants). WOWT
- ➤ UNO, in collaboration with UNMC and Virginia Tech, received a $2.7 million NIH grant to develop a catheter-based treatment that removes calcium buildup in arteries and improves blood flow in PAD patients. The study will begin with tests on human donor arteries before moving to animal trials. University of Nebraska Omaha
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Bellevue will soon host a new Mattel Wonder indoor waterpark that brings interactive water play for families. The facility will open in the near future as part of Mattel's plan to expand entertainment options in the area. WOWT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen said he was not surprised when quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the transfer portal, noting that more Huskers will transfer in coming weeks. He added programs can now compete financially with others in this era of NIL + multimillion-dollar deals. KETV
- ➤ Social media is celebrating Omaha's Terence (Bud) Crawford's record-breaking career as community members highlight his achievements and local legacy. Fans continue to share their pride for his milestone, reflecting strong local support. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Junior guard Cora Olsen of Omaha Women’s Basketball will miss the season after injuring her mid-foot on Nov. 20 against CSU Bakersfield, coach Jamie Carey said Wednesday. The team played Creighton yesterday at 6:30 p.m. on the Summit League Network (1180 KOZT in Omaha). University of Nebraska Omaha
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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.
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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.
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Omaha Street Dog Coalition Clinic
10-11 a.m. — Timberlake Outreach Center — Free service — Monthly veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness.
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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.
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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.
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Josh Hoyer’s Colossal 4 + Gleam Concert
8 p.m. — The B. Bar — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of authentic music from Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal.
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The Princess Bride Screening
7-11 p.m. — Holland Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a special screening of the iconic film with Cary Elwes in attendance to share behind-the-scenes stories.
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Dive Bar Karaoke Night
7-9 p.m. — Beach House Bar & Grill — Free entry for members, $20 for guests — Sing your heart out at one of Omaha's favorite dive bars amidst a friendly crowd.
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Fountains of Dane Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — $10 ADV / $15 DOS — Enjoy 90's power pop and rock hits resurrected live in a vibrant setting.
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North Dakota State Bison vs. Omaha Mavericks Mens Basketball
1-3 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Check ticket pricing for entry — Experience an exciting college basketball showdown featuring local teams.
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