04/02/21 • Nebraska vaccine data • Nationwide case trends
Omaha’s Moment of Reckoning in a Crowded, Noisy Election
A pandemic, protests against racial inequity and now a city election that some believe could be a turning point for Omaha. The stage is set and the pressure is building. But will it explode with change or fizzle like a dud?
Reed Moore’s Daily Rundown
Happy National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day
Today’s lip-smacking news: A drive-up vaccine clinic opens at MCC’s Fort Omaha campus, the Omaha zoo unveils its stingray exhibit, and Nebraska lawmakers debate health education standards.
Around Omaha
- The Douglas County Health Department reports a rise in COVID-19 cases, as the seven-day average reaches 26 cases per 100,000 people. There are also 71 reported variant cases.
- A drive-up vaccine clinic opens in North Omaha, at Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha campus, offering appointments two days a week. Anyone older than 45 can sign up online for appointments.
- The Douglas County treasurer’s office warns taxpayers about property tax phishing letters. Residents should not respond to the letters or call the phone number listed on them.
- The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium unveils its $6 million Stingray Beach exhibit,an indoor, permanent display. Visitors can touch and feed 35 to 40 stingrays after buying tickets at the main zoo entrance.
- Mayoral candidate Mark Gudgel, an English teacher at Omaha North High School, says he is centering his campaign on education, including a plan to give free college to Omaha’s high school graduates.
- A 31-year-old cattle rancher from Fairbury is the first COVID-19 patient to receive a double-lung transplant at UNMC. The patient is expected to leave the hospital soon and recover after three months of rehab.
Around Nebraska
- Gov. Pete Ricketts will receive his first COVID-19 vaccine dose on Saturday.
- Nebraska lawmakers are debating new health education standards that include mental health, sexual orientation and gender identity, with opponents saying the topics should be taught by parents at home and supporters saying the guidelines are age-appropriate and inclusive.
- Gov. Ricketts says the OPS pension bill is a “slippery slope” toward taxpayers paying off the fund’s $848 million shortfall, but the bill’s author says the debt will remain with OPS.
Reed Moore’s Things to Do in Omaha on 4/20
Peruse a Head Shop From Home
- 3170 Leavenworth St., Ste B, Omaha
What better way to celebrate 4/20 than getting a delivery from a head shop? This feature, offered by Leavenworth Coughy, is perfect for the especially lazy stoners this holiday season. Anything you need – papers, water pipes, CBD products – can get delivered to your door, between the hours of 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Supporting your local head shop means supporting the talents of marvelous, hard-working glass blowers. And Coughy – one of Omaha’s most successful head shops – has a great selection to peruse online or in person.
If you choose to stop in the store, you must wear a mask. Staring aimlessly at the glass cases, displaying a spectrum of glass art, is a must for any visitor at any given time at any given glass shop.
No matter your style, you owe it to yourself to check out Coughy on 4/20. Get yourself that vase-shaped water pipe or help a loved one by purchasing CBD oil.
The Daily Funny
