Morning
Omaha
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Omaha. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Longtime friends in Little Italy gather every Tuesday at Caniglia's Dry Goods to play cards—a tradition started in the 1920s that honors decades of community memories & shared history. KETV
- ➤ Omaha metro offers a variety of New Year’s Eve events today, including a fireworks display at RiverFront over the Missouri River at 7 p.m. — free parking starts at 5 p.m., and a volunteer banquet is held at the Open Door Mission with events at museums, zoos, and libraries. WOWT
- ➤ With harsh winter incoming, local rescue groups and residents are building makeshift homes using shipping containers and straw to shelter stray cats, while Felius Cat Cafe and Rescue reported many strays already hide in warm spots and urged community help to keep them safe. WOWT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Omaha RiverFront has drawn a record 2.3 million visitors in 2025 with major events like the Fourth of July celebration boosting foot traffic near local businesses. Construction on Capitol Avenue will increase starting Monday, Jan. 5, complicating access for establishments such as Lula B's restaurant. WOWT
- ➤ Omaha native Warren Buffett is stepping back from daily leadership at Berkshire Hathaway as Greg Abel takes over management of noninsurance businesses this week. Buffett will remain chairman while advising Abel to keep the firm’s decentralized culture intact. Omaha World-Herald
- ➤ Kitchen Table in downtown Omaha will face challenges from streetcar construction starting in January near its building, while city officials offer webinars and additional signage to help businesses plan ahead amid construction expected to last through 2027. KETV
- ➤ Hawaiian Bros Island Grill will build a quick-serve restaurant at 1130 North 203rd Street (near Metropolitan Community College's Elkhorn campus) and will open this summer. The Kansas City-based chain already has locations in Miracle Hills and at Interstate 80 and Highway 370. Grow Omaha
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Early construction is underway on a 15,000 sq. ft. retail building at 19010 Q Street, just west of an existing Maverik convenience store; one planned business is Bubbles Laundry (as shown on a City of Omaha building permit). Grow Omaha
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Nebraska offensive lineman Tyler Knaak will start in the Las Vegas Bowl today against Utah despite breaking his hand a week ago, having practiced with a cast while replacing injured senior Rocco Spindler. This game marks his first career start following his transfer from his former school. WOWT
- ➤ In Las Vegas, Nebraska’s bowl game roster changes as multiple coaches have been let go and several players (including draft-declaring and transfer-listed athletes) are unavailable due to injuries, transfers, or draft news. Remaining coaches like Geep Wade guide the team for its bowl game against Utah. KETV
- ➤ Parents in Vegas gathered on Tuesday at a Fremont Street pep rally where Nebraska’s marching band performed before today’s game, marking a rare bowl appearance. Families cheered the band’s hard work and high travel cost (and uniforms) while hoping for an upset. KETV
- ➤ No. 13 Nebraska beat New Hampshire 86-55 Tuesday night after pulling ahead in the second half — with a 45-17 run — marking its first unbeaten nonconference contest since 1928-29, and the Huskers will use that momentum in Friday’s game against Michigan State. WOWT
- ➤ Husker fans are eager as the team will face the Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl tomorrow in Las Vegas (less than 24 hours remain until kickoff). WOWT
- ➤ Nebraska's football team faces No. 15 Utah today at 2:30 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas; Nebraska has dealt with major staff shakeups and injuries while Utah has seen key leadership changes, setting the stage for an upset. WOWT
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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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Breakfast Club - Ripple Intent
8:00-9:30 a.m. — MCL Construction — Register online — Explore how self-awareness and practice can drive positive change in our lives.
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Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Rose Theater — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer in a unique candlelit setting.
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New Music Monday
8-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — All ages — Enjoy live performances from Unthroned, Ugly Lotus, and Omkara on a night of fresh sounds.
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Omaha Westside vs. Papillion-LaVista JV Basketball Game
7:15 p.m. — Papillion-La Vista High School — Free entry — Watch the Papillion-LaVista JV basketball team take on Omaha Westside in an exciting home conference matchup.
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Colorado College Tigers at Nebraska Omaha Mavericks Men's Hockey
7:07-9:07 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting matchup as college hockey teams battle on the ice.
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New Music Monday
8-11 p.m. — The Waiting Room Lounge — All ages welcome — Discover fresh sounds from local talent Moon Pigeons, Blind Cassidy, Wayne Famous & The Dangerous Moment.
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A View Venues 10th Annual Vendor Night
5:30-8:30 p.m. — A View on State — Free entry — Celebrate a decade of vendors with food, fun, and inspiration for your next event.
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Omaha Men's Basketball vs. South Dakota State
7-9 p.m. — Baxter Arena — Cost Info — Witness a thrilling college basketball matchup featuring Omaha taking on South Dakota State.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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