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Today’s Highlights:
- The Reader checks in on Opera Omaha’s production of “The Marriage of Figaro.”
- A police presence is seen outside City Councilman Vinny Palermo’s home.
- The shutdown of a school newspaper covering LGBTQ+ issues was a violation of students’ First Amendment rights, according to a new lawsuit.
Q&A With an Opera Baritone
Michael Adams portrays Count Almaviva in Opera Omaha’s production of “The Marriage of Figaro,” which opens today, March 31, at the Orpheum Theatre.
By Natalie Christie. Published in The Reader.
Around Omaha
A police presence is spotted outside the home of City Councilman Vinny Palermo, with officers saying it was to address a domestic dispute. Palermo, who has previously been placed on federal probation for not filing his taxes and had his home searched by the FBI, is beginning divorce proceedings.
Homelessness in Sarpy County is on the rise, according to a report from Lift Up Sarpy County. Lift Up’s executive director says it’s hard to believe that the number of homeless people is rising in spite of the county’s record growth.
The City of Omaha Personnel Board approves updates to the rules and protocols for how to handle romantic relationships and nepotism among city employees. The deputy city attorney says Mayor Jean Stothert supports the policy, pending council approval.
A three-alarm fire at First Star Recycling is caused by lithium-ion batteries, according to the company. The batteries are not recyclable, but still end up in such facilities.
What comes next for the Creighton men’s basketball team after its historic run in the NCAA tournament?
Upcoming Events
- Until April 4: Voices of Choice
- April 6: Joseph Broghammer Opening Reception
- April 7: Brian Tait – Also Known As
- Until April 7: Jada Messick – I Still Haven’t Found a Therapist
- Until April 12: Jing Huang – Visiting Artist in Ceramics
Be sure to get the updated booster shot before heading to any of these events.
Around Nebraska
The ACLU of Nebraska sues the Northwest Public Schools district in Grand Island, alleging administrators violated students’ First Amendment rights by shutting down the high school’s newspaper over its coverage of LGBTQ+ issues.
Nebraska’s director of Economic Development, Tony Goins, is the majority owner of a cigar lounge in Lincoln, and official state emails show him inviting guests to a political event held there, as well as setting up meetings there. Goins says he doesn’t steer business to his cigar lounge.
The state’s economy is expected to remain out of recession over the next six months, according to UNL professor Eric Thompson.
Legislature:
- A set of income tax cuts sails through first-round debate on a 41-0 vote.
- Lawmakers debate who should oversee an expansion of broadband coverage in rural areas. Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and Megan Hunt joke about being in agreement with Sens. Steve Erdman and Steve Halloran.
- Sens. Terrell McKinney and Justin Wayne say there hasn’t been enough support for their North Omaha constituents this session because of “zero-sum games.”
The Lincoln Airport announces seven direct flights will begin as soon as June 8, thanks to the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. Lincolnites will soon be able to travel to Orlando, Las Vegas, Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville, Austin, Atlanta and Minneapolis.
Pigs must be flying: Frank Solich, the most recent Husker football head coach to bring home a conference championship, will be honored at the spring game on April 22. Solich, a fan favorite, was unceremoniously fired 20 years ago and hasn’t made a public appearance at Memorial Stadium since.
Fact of the Day
From Harper’s Index
Percentage by which the median debt for borrowers
earning master’s degrees has increased since 2000: 69
Source: Urban Institute (Washington)
DAILY FUNNY
Comic by Jeffrey Koterba. Support him on Patreon.
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