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HERE’S YOUR RUNDOWN
Happy Games Day
Reed Moore reminds us that, win or lose, be a good sport.
Today’s news:
- El Perico profiles a Venezuelan holiday specialty.
- Six days before Christmas, a northwest Omaha apartment complex is condemned.
- Lincoln is getting closer to finding its “second source” of water.
Hallaca Means Venezuelan Christmas
This savory dish is the traditional food for Christmas and the New Year.
By Karlha Velásquez. Published in El Perico.
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COVID-19 UPDATE
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By the numbers:
AROUND OMAHA
- Six days before Christmas, the City of Omaha condemns the Legacy Crossing apartments, forcing tenants into a sudden relocation. City officials say the complex is rife with fire and housing code violations. Tenants tell WOWT they’ve seen it coming for months, but to do this now leaves people stranded and without a place to go. (To donate to the relief efforts, click here or here.)
- The Child Saving Institute looks to raise $46 million for expanding and renovating its campus. Plans to renovate the building at the corner of 46th and Dodge would double its square footage. The Child Saving Institute says it’s more than halfway to its fundraising goal.
- The Nebraska Department of Transportation is gearing up for the impending winter storm. A spokesperson says the biggest concern is the amount of snow that falls through Thursday, Dec. 22, with conditions possibly not clearing up until Friday or Saturday. As for pre-treatment, that’s also proving to be a tricky balancing act.
- Westside Public Schools Superintendent Mike Lucas gets the chance to earn more money. The school board voted to amend his contract to include a discretionary bonus of up to $10,000, as well as a retention stipend in June if he remains “actively employed in good standing.” Both the bonus amount and the “good standing” are determined by the school board.
AROUND NEBRASKA
- Lincoln is experiencing its 10th-driest year. With its usual source, the Platte River, drying up, and its backup, the Ogallala Aquifer, expected to run out of water, the City of Lincoln is getting closer to finding its “second source.” There are seven alternatives listed, with a decision expected in January.
- A judge rules in the Nebraska Republican Party’s favor in a defamation lawsuit filed by failed legislative candidate Janet Palmtag. Palmtag, who lost to state Sen. Julie Slama in 2020, was the subject of attack ads from the GOP accusing her of losing her real estate license, a claim she says had malicious intent. Her attorney says the case will be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
- A Grand Island Public Schools board member-elect may not be able to take her seat. Katherine Mauldin was elected to represent Ward C, but reportedly told a board member that she lived in Ward A. Mauldin has provided multiple documents of residency, which the Hall County Election Commission is reviewing.
- Brandon Metzler, a 29-year-old Omaha native, has been recommended as the next clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Metzler, who is currently an assistant legislative clerk, was recommended by the Legislature’s Executive Board 7-1, with the sole “no” vote coming from state Sen. Julie Slama. The next Legislature will confirm or reject Metzler when it’s sworn in on Jan. 4.
REED MOORE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The City Council and Board of County Commissioners are meeting today, Dec. 20, and local government reporter Anton Johnson is sitting in. Follow Anton on Twitter at @AntonIsWriting for live tweets from the City Council, and read his preview of what’s on tap this week. Tune in here to the Omaha City Council beginning at 2 p.m.
FACT OF THE DAY
From Harper’s Index
Percentage increase since 2019 in the number
of “actively disengaged” U.S. workers under the age of 35: 50
Source: Gallup (Washington)
DAILY FUNNY
Comic by Jen Sorensen.
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