Omaha Daily Brief: Crawford cited, UNMC honored, and Beer Week rolls on

Top headlines

Crawford ticketed ahead of April court date

Omaha Police cited boxing champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford over the weekend after a traffic stop downtown. The citation alleges he ran red lights while heading to the state wrestling championships at CHI Health Center. The stop comes as Crawford is already set for an April court date tied to a separate careless-driving ticket from last fall.

Mayor proclaims UNMC Community Engagement Day

Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. issued a proclamation making Feb. 23 UNMC Community Engagement Day each year. City leaders said the designation spotlights UNMC’s statewide work to improve health and connect with communities, and it follows UNMC receiving the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

Florence house fire ruled accidental

Fire investigators say a Sunday evening house fire in the Florence neighborhood was accidental. Crews responded near 31st and Grebe streets, with early information pointing to a fire starting near the chimney. No injuries were reported, but one resident was displaced and officials estimated tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Also on the radar

Events: Lunar New Year, Beer Week, and a Titanic exhibit

If you’re looking for something to do close to home, a Lunar New Year gala is scheduled at the Orpheum, Omaha Beer Week is underway through Feb. 28 with tastings and specials around the metro, and the Kiewit Luminarium is hosting a Titanic-focused exhibit featuring declassified materials and artifacts. Several venues are also running themed events and tours as part of the beer-week lineup.

Full-tuition scholarship targets nursing shortage

Methodist College is offering a full-tuition scholarship for students in its accelerated nursing program, with recipients committing to work at a Methodist Hospital for four years after graduation. Leaders say the goal is to build a steadier pipeline of nurses as staffing pressures continue locally and nationwide.

Weather: frigid start, then a quick warmup

Forecasters say Monday starts in the single digits with subzero wind chills early, but temperatures should rebound quickly into Tuesday and later this week. A midweek system could bring light precipitation, with the metro leaning rain and a chance of a mix north of I-80.