04/01/21 • Nebraska vaccine data • Nationwide case trends
Meet Omaha’s Mayoral Candidates
These stories are in-depth profiles of four of the five candidates running for mayor of Omaha. A representative for Mayor Jean Stothert said the incumbent was unavailable for an interview. For coverage of other races, check out The Reader’s 2021 city election hub.
Reed Moore’s Daily Rundown
Happy April Fools’ Day
Today’s no-prank news: Omaha’s public libraries move to eliminate overdue fees, Nebraska’s first drive-up vaccine clinic opens, and Gov. Pete Ricketts announces opposition to vaccine passports.
Around Omaha
- The Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees votes unanimously to eliminate fees for overdue books and materials. Librarians at the downtown branch have a good laugh when they discover a book that was returned more than 50 years after it was due.
- The Douglas County Health Department says people 45 and over are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, as new clinics open.
- A controlled burn at the Neale Woods Nature Center is planned for today, as the break from windy weather allows Douglas County to lift its burn ban.
- Nebraska’s first drive-up vaccine clinic opens at the Metro Community College Fort Omaha campus, offering 400 shots each day.
- A new institute at Boys Town National Research Hospital is studying how conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders alter the brain as people age.
- Package delivery drivers for Lark Logistics say the company owes them a final paycheck after closing its doors without notice.
Around Nebraska
- U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer says she will not run for Nebraska governor in 2022, committing to continue serving in the Senate.
- Gov. Pete Ricketts says he opposes vaccine passports, as he believe the concept violates “freedom of movement and healthcare privacy.” Airlines and other travel-industry businesses support vaccine passports, and President Joe Biden says the decision should come from the private sector.
- Two Nebraska state senators are investigating potential unemployment fraud, sending a letter to the labor commissioner asking about fraudulent claims and payments and how the state plans to recoup money lost.
Reed Moore’s Things to Do in Omaha on 4/20
Catch the Myth at Hummel Park
- 3033 Hummel Rd.
Hummel Park has a strange lore. Most superstitions and urban myths center on the supernatural. Disappearing stairs, Satanic rituals, stuff like that. And that’s why Hummel Park makes for a great stop on your 4/20 celebratory excursion into the outside world.
Hummel Park oscillates between very chill and very haunted. It’s fun to check out the sites with your loved ones, share ghost stories, and score valuable time with nature.
Plus, it’s a great place to walk your dog. You and your four-legged friends can investigate timeless mysteries. With all the mystery in the air, it will be easier to do some deep thinking about everything from the universe to what’s really in your food.
It’s worth noting that Hummel Park dispels rumors of the park’s past – and for good reason. And although some of the rumors are more well-known or morbid than others, they do get people wanting to travel to the park to judge its energy for themselves. And what better time to do so than on 4/20.
The Daily Funny
