

07/22/21 • Nebraska vaccine data • Nationwide case trends

Constant Gardener
Artist Claudia Alvarez plows her past with less-than-utopian imagery of childhood.
Story by Jonathan Orozco. Published in The Reader.
Reed Moore’s Daily Rundown
Happy National Hammock Day
Two trees and today’s news are all you need: President Joe Biden authorizes additional disaster-assistance funding for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Westside Community Schools enacts an anti-hate activities policy, and Elkhorn South High School’s band director is charged with one count of intentional child abuse and ordered held on $75,000 bail.

~ Harper’s Index Facts of The Day ~
- Percentage by which liberals are more likely than conservatives to participate in medical research: 16
Source: Matthew Gabel, Washington University in St. Louis
Around Omaha
- Inclusive Communities, a local nonprofit supporting diversity and inclusion, unveils its 2021 award winners.
- Michelle Bluford, Elkhorn South High School’s band director, is charged with one count of intentional child abuse and ordered held on $75,000 bail.
- An anti-hate activities policy is unanimously approved by the Westside school board, following reports of racial slurs being hurled at Black basketball players in other local schools.
- As Native Omaha Days approaches, health officials in Douglas County advise community members to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
- Following a sewage spill, Omaha Public Works declares Zorinsky Lake safe for recreational activities.
- The Midlands African Chamber is hosting a competition to empower local minority-owned businesses. Learn about the mission of one of the competitors: F.C. Clothing.
- Black and Pink, a national prison-abolition nonprofit based in Omaha, shows off its new headquarters.
- Seven local nonprofits will get $13.6 million worth of funding to increase housing opportunities in North and South Omaha.
- Tony Conner, president of the Omaha Police Officers Association, tweets misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccination. Here’s what medical experts have to say.
Around Nebraska
- From the White House: President Joe Biden authorizes more disaster-assistance funding for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
- The city of North Platte might fund a proposed meatpacking plant. But North Platte residents have concerns.
- As the Nebraska Legislature prepares to redraw congressional and legislative boundaries, here’s what you need to know about gerrymandering in 2021.
- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln receives $1 million to construct an equestrian sports complex.
Reed Moore’s Things To Do

From 35mm slide by J Michael McBride. Found on Benson History (@historicbenson) Facebook page.
Find more on our Things To Do page.
Discover North O!
~ North O! Historic Locations ~
Historic Downtown Florence and Benson
The areas of Florence and Benson were once the epicenter of small townships equipped with their own banks and grocery stores. Now home to several thriving small businesses, these historic areas give a glimpse into North Omaha’s past.
On Mondays through Thursdays for the rest of July, Reed Moore will feature one item each day from Mark McGaugh’s Discover North O! guide.

The Daily Funny (Click drawing to see full comic.)