06/14/21 • Nebraska vaccine data • Nationwide case trends
Workers, Industry Experts Say Restaurants Need to Change to Solve Labor
As Omahans return to dining in, restaurants are having trouble staying staffed. While some say workers are taking advantage of extended unemployment benefits, others say restaurants need to boost their wages to meet living standards if they want to see staff return.
Reed Moore’s Daily Rundown
Happy National Pop Goes the Weasel Day!
Today’s news likes good times with nursery rhymes: The Charles B. Washington Library showcases North Omaha history, reconstruction of Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall and adjoining parks begins, and athletes break records at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials.
~ Harper’s Index Facts of The Day ~
- Percentage by which judges who are former corporate lawyers are less likely to side with workers in labor disputes: 43.
- Percentage by which judges who are former prosecutors are less likely to do so: 56.
- Portion of appellate judges who used to be prosecutors or corporate lawyers: 7/10.
Sources: 1 & 2. Demand Justice (Washington); 3. Center for American Progress (Washington)
Around Omaha
- Renovations begin on a historic North Omaha building.
- Reconstruction of downtown Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall and adjoining parks — collectively referred to as The RiverFront — is underway.
- The U.S. Olympic Swim Trials bring record-breaking performances.
- A photo exhibit spotlighting North Omaha history opens at the Charles B. Washington Library.
- After last year’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Omaha’s Cinco de Mayo festival returns for its 100th celebration.
- Omaha’s public pools scramble to recruit lifeguards for the summer.
Around Nebraska
- LaVista’s Business Seals Consulting Firm, which assists Black-owned businesses, is now a member of the Midlands African Chamber.
- Here’s a progress report on the state’s expressway system.
- Dr. Matthew Donahue becomes Nebraska’s acting state epidemiologist.
This Week in Your Local Government
- New health director: On Tuesday, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will vote to approve Dr. Lindsay Huse, who was confirmed last week as the county’s new health director by the Board of Health.
- More TIF in Blackstone: The Omaha City Council will vote on $6.2 million in tax-increment financing for the construction of a building in Blackstone. The nine-story building at 3710 Harney St. would feature about 161 apartments and 20,000 square feet in commercial space.
- STOP Violence Against Women: The City Council will vote to accept and disburse $248,642.18 in funding from the STOP Violence Against Women Grant. The money will be used to “enhance victim assistance services and prosecute cases of domestic violence.” The Omaha Police Department requested $89,000 to fund the salary of the Domestic Violence Squad sergeant.
- Justice Center Skywalk: Omaha Douglas Public Building Commission applies to lease property to construct a skywalk across Harney Street connecting the Douglas County Justice Center. Construction of the Center has proven controversial.
See the full Omaha City Council agenda for Tuesday, June 15.
Reed Moore’s Things To Do
Find more on our Things To Do page.
Discover South O!
~ Art and Culture ~
The Tree of Life
24th and L streets
The Tree of Life gives everyone a warm welcome to the historic area of South Omaha. It’s a symbol that represents the mixing and bonding of ethnic groups and cultures associated with the area, such as the Czech, Polish, Croatian and Mexican communities. Definitely take a picture there.
The Daily Funny (Click on the image.)
