Codex Omaha

Recent news regarding the Omaha City Council includes the declaration of January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, court developments for a former city employee in a human trafficking case, and a new mayoral mentorship initiative.
Key News & Developments
Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month: On January 13, 2026, the City Council declared January as "Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month" in honor of Omaha Firefighter Matt McDonnell, who is battling terminal cancer linked to his 18-year career.
Mayoral Mentorship Plan: Mayor John Ewing Jr. announced a plan to allow city employees an hour of paid time off per week to mentor young people, aiming to address the significant waiting list for mentors in Nebraska.
Former Employee's Court Case: On January 15, 2026, a judge denied requests for lower bonds for a former Omaha city employee and another individual facing charges in a human trafficking and prostitution investigation. Their cases are proceeding to district court.
Upcoming Construction: Significant construction activity related to the demolition of the Farnam Street bridge and road closures in Midtown Crossing and the Capitol District is scheduled to begin in January 2026. (Photo by Codex Omaha)
Past Major Decisions
Homeless Encampment Ordinance: In October 2025, the City Council voted 5-2 to reject a proposed ordinance that would have banned homeless encampments on public property and could have resulted in fines or jail time for violators.
"Project Game ON" Approval: In December 2025, the council approved zoning changes for the "Project Game ON" development in North Omaha, which includes a new stadium and a YMCA facility, both expected to be completed in 2027.
For official agendas and updates on upcoming meetings and votes, visit the Omaha City Council Agendas page.

Omaha is experiencing significant local news developments, including protests, severe winter weather and its effects, public safety incidents, and community initiative updates.
Omaha City News & Events
Top Stories:
Protests: Omaha residents are protesting at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge in the wake of a second fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis.
Weather Impact: The Omaha metro is experiencing dangerously cold wind chills and the lingering effects of a winter storm, leading to increased calls for towing services and warnings about the dangers of shoveling heavy snow. Warming centers have been opened across the metro area.
Public Safety:
> Omaha police have arrested a man who fled a traffic stop, striking a police cruiser and a building.
> A man was cited in connection to a fatal hit-and-run in North Omaha.
> A crash on Interstate 80 in Council Bluffs resulted in one death.
Community Initiatives: Leaders met at the annual State of North Omaha Summit to highlight progress and goals for 2026, focusing on education, employment, housing, and public safety.
Nebraska Medicine: The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved an $800 million deal for the university to fully manage Nebraska Medicine amid an ongoing investigation and a lawsuit to stop the deal.
Local Development: It was confirmed that a Buc-ee's travel center will be built in Gretna, near Interstate 80.
Upcoming Events:
LOVB Volleyball: The professional women's indoor volleyball team LOVB Nebraska will play against LOVB Madison on January 30 and LOVB Austin on February 1 at Baxter Arena.
Winterfest: The annual "Good Life Winterfest" music event, featuring various Midwest bands, is taking place this weekend at The Waiting Room Lounge and Reverb Lounge.
Omaha Film Festival: The annual week-long event, showcasing independent films from around the world, will run starting March 10 at the ACX Aksarben Cinema.
Omaha Mavericks Basketball: The UNO Mavericks men's basketball team has a home game against the Denver Pioneers on February 14 at Baxter Arena.
For more local news and event information, you can visit local news sources like KETV NewsWatch 7, 6 News WOWT, or KMTV 3 News Now, or check the City of Omaha website and the VisitOmaha.com events calendar for a comprehensive list of activities.

Gov. Jim Pillen announced Thursday, Jan. 22, that the Nebraska National Guard have been requested to support an “ongoing critical mission” in Washington, D.C.
6 News WOWT

Nebraska National Guard to deploy 200 soldiers to Washington D.C. Gov. Jim Pillen announced Thursday that the Nebraska National Guard have been requested to support an “ongoing critical mission” in Washington, D.C.

Please share! Valuable local resources and services all in one place! Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and find the support you need! Over 20+ community organizations are coming together to support and empower entrepreneurs. Everyone is welcome to build stronger businesses and a stronger community, together.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

https://sourcelinknebraska.com/event/community-resource-fair-omaha/

Today, August 12th, the Omaha city budget process continues with a department budget hearing at 1:00 PM and a public hearing of the 2026 recommended city budget and CIP budget at 6:30 PM. It is the first budget presentation for a fiscal year by Mayor John W. Ewing, Jr.

Solidarity fundraiser will support the families of our hardworking immigrants! Donate directly to Heartland Workers Center for the children of immigrants at :https://www.heartlandworkerscenter.org/support-us
Join us:
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
GI Forum, 2002 N STREET, OMAHA
Hotdogs with all the trimmings. Free will donation. Special Guests with Nebraska Lowrider Club and Live Music.
For additional information call (402) 739-7100
email: [email protected]

Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hansen will seek more funding for law enforcement operations:

Item A. Make official the acceptance of funding Nebraska State Crime Commission BJA
Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) award by Douglas County for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for Fiscal Year 2026. Deadline June 27, 2025.
($130,662 - Not Budgeted) (Chief Deputy William Rinn, Sheriff's Office) (See link below)

item T. Make official the acceptance of funding Nebraska State Crime Commission BJA Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) award by Douglas County for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for Fiscal year 2026. ($130,662 – Budgeted)
(Chief Deputy William Rinn, Sheriff’s Office)

Tues, June 24 – Douglas County Board of Commissioners Meeting
The meeting will start at 9:00 AM in the Legislative Chamber (second floor) of the Omaha-Douglas Civic
Center | 1819 Farnam St. | Omaha, NE 68183.
https://www.douglascounty-ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/06_24_25_II_A.pdf

The Fuerza Latina Awards were created to uplift and celebrate the people and organizations who strengthen, protect, and inspire the Latino community in Omaha. In times of hardship, change, and resilience. From ICE raids to economic pressure to community victories, these awards recognize those who show up with heart, creativity, and commitment. Yet this inaugural celebration is about solidarity, visibility, and joy.

✨ Awards Structure: Two Classifications
To reflect the full spectrum of leadership and impact, awards are organized into two main classifications:
🏛️ Elected Officials Classification - 4 Categories
✊🏽 Community Member Classification - 5 Categories
Honor is to be announced soon!
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"Let us never forget that Black history continues to define American history—Yvette D. Clarke