Phase III, Support Black Businesses, City to Announce Action After Protests and More Top Local News for Monday, June 22

• Today marks the start of Phase III in Nebraska’s reopening process meaning many businesses can return to full capacity.
• Omaha city officials are set to announce actions in response to citywide protests of police brutality and racial inequity.
• Gov. Pete Ricketts said any county that required masks in government buildings would not get CARES Act funds. Opinions vary among officials in Douglas County.
• Omaha Juneteenth celebrations on Saturday brought many to celebrate, educate and memorialize.
• Car vigils continue to pass through South Omaha to raise awareness about ongoing struggles faced by meatpacking plant workers.
• On Sunday, the Black Businesses Matters expo was held in North Omaha.
• If you’re looking for a way to support Omaha’s black community, a new website, Connect Black Omaha, offers solutions.
• Omaha Public Schools may change its student code of conduct to say police “may be” contacted if a student is caught with drugs. Previously, police were supposed to be contacted every time.
• The Omaha World Herald broke down what happened the first night of protests on 72nd and Dodge Streets.
• Police shot one protester in the eye with a pepper ball and the man still can’t see out of his right eye.
• A co-founder of the popular Greek Islands restaurant has died.
• Renovations are coming for 1623 Farnam, a downtown building that serves as a central hub for national communication companies.
• A fourth Omaha correctional officer has tested positive for COVID-19.
• Bike sales continue to soar during the pandemic as people look for socially distanced activities.
• After 24 years, Omaha Parks and Recreation Director Brook Bench announced he would leave his position to lead a new philanthropic organization dedicated to park development.
• The Henry Doorly Zoo will soon start its second phase of reopening.
• Garth Brooks will hold a drive-in concert in Omaha.
• Families struggle to cope through socially distanced nursing home visits.
• Volunteers have returned to the Open Door Mission.
• South Omaha cases have declined, but officials warn the rates are still high.

Around the State

• Protesters in Lincoln share stories of violence at the hands of police.
• The first inmate at Nebraska State Penitentiary has tested positive for COVID-19.
• The Nebraska National Guard is scaling down its COVID-19 missions after two months of testing.
• The University of Nebraska-Lincoln announced $43 million worth of budget cuts over the next three years.
• Nebraska’s unemployment dropped to the lowest rate in the country, though it’s still well above normal.