08/16/21 • Nebraska vaccine data • Nationwide case trends
The Suicide Squad: Movie Review
DC’s Latest “Heroes” Could Use a M*A*S*H Unit, says Reader film critic Ryan Syrek
Reed Moore’s Daily Rundown
Happy National Roller Coaster Day
Today’s news says it’s all about the goose bumps: Regent Jim Pillen’s proposal banning critical race theory gets struck down by the Board of Regents, TestNebraska won’t resume despite an increase in COVID-19 cases, and the Genoa Indian School holds its Recognition and Remembrance Ceremony.
Harper’s Index Fact of the Day
Chance that an American has a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of trust in the CDC: 1 in 2
Source: Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (Boston)
Around Omaha
- Type “Omaha” into this CNN map for a visual representation of de facto segregation in the city.
- Last week, a 16-year-old Omaha South football player collapsed during practice and died. Now, his family’s asking the Nebraska School Activities Association to amend its heat guidelines with a change.org petition.
- A 23-year-old man from Omaha becomes the first person with autism to finish Diventures’ adaptive diver program.
- NOISE Omaha writer Ashley Salem reviews the Sundance documentary AILEY, which tells the story of Alvin Ailey: A Black activist, dancer and choreographer, and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
- As the school year begins, Omaha Public Schools doesn’t have enough bus drivers.
- For an in-depth roundup of today’s local and national news, from coverage of the Haiti earthquake to local school bus delays, check out today’s episode of 1st Sky Omaha in the Morning with Buddi3 Da Gawd and Paul Beeee.
Around Nebraska
- University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen’s proposal condemning critical race theory is struck down by the Board of Regents. Read about it in Inside Higher Ed.
- As coronavirus cases surge, officials don’t intend to resume TestNebraska (the state’s testing program), and Dr. James Lawler of UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security says Nebraskans aren’t getting tested enough.
- The Garth Brooks concert that’s causing coronavirus concerns for health officials sees nearly 90,000 fans pack Memorial Stadium for the first concert there since 1987.
- Census data shows that almost a quarter of individuals living in Nebraska are people of color.
- The University of Nebraska Medical Center gets a $3 million grant to increase coronavirus testing for underserved migrant families.
- Some of the state’s Republican leaders criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan crisis.
- The Genoa U.S. Indian School hosts its Recognition and Remembrance Ceremony, intended to honor the Native American students who suffered there and gain a greater understanding of the institution’s legacy.
This Week in Your Local Government
- City budget amendments: The Omaha City Council will vote on potential amendments to the 2022 City Budget and Capital Improvement Plan during Tuesday’s meeting. Despite criticism from constituents, there are no proposed changes to the Omaha Police Department’s $5 million budget increase. Amendments include:
- $50,000 for the Nebraska Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project to provide pro bono legal assistance for Douglas County residents facing eviction.
- $90,000 for the mental health clinic Community Alliance’s Family Education Program.
- $15,000 for the nonprofit Keep Omaha Beautiful to plant trees on public property to mitigate recent tree loss.
- $40,000 for a “Small Business Facilitator Consultant” to advise small business owners on issues such as tax preparation and property leases.
- $15,000 for a website consultant to provide “interested councilmembers with a customizable web page.”
- $300,000 in transportation bonds and $1.5 million in other local assistance to fund infrastructure in the North Saddle Creek Business District.
- $1.25 million in transportation bonds to implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
- $250,000 in transportation bonds and 2.5 million in other local assistance to make the Harney Street Protected Bikeway permanent in 2023.
- Updating the budget to include revenues and appropriations for newly annexed parts of the city.
- County Board: The Douglas County Board of Commissioners will not meet for its regular meeting. However, the board will gather at 9 a.m. Tuesday for a Child & Youth Services Committee meeting, during which it will receive updates from the Juvenile Assessment Center and the GOALS Center. The board also will gather at 2 p.m. Tuesday for a Human Resources Committee meeting.
Reed Moore’s Things To Do:
Being Single in Omaha Guide
~ Get lost at Fontenelle Forest ~
If you want something a little more low-key than the best zoo in the world, you can get lost in nature right here in Omaha. Sound appealing? Fontenelle Forest near Bellevue is the nature reserve you must visit.
You and your friends can break the cycle of humankind against nature, rekindle that deep connection to life around you, and return to the city with new sensibilities. You can also tell scary stories while bug and scavenger hunting — all while experiencing the reserve’s quiet wild, spread across 1,400 acres.
Plus, there are events throughout the week, including standout exhibits each month. Become a member or patron if you want to support the vision of Fontenelle Forest. And if you merely want a free day pass, you can check one out at the following libraries: Omaha, Bellevue University or Council Bluffs.
On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 24, Reed Moore features an item from Matt Casas’ Being Single in Omaha Guide. As the delta variant spreads through the community, remember to get fully vaccinated and mask up — even if you’re fully vaxxed — before checking out these activities.
Find more local guides on our Things To Do page.
The Daily Funny:
Move-it-Back Monday Edition
This morning, have a laugh at a throwback comic.
Click the drawing to see more recent cartoons.
