Cyrek Watching TV, Cleaning Up After a Snowfall, Voting to Ban Abortion

M. N.February 17, 2023

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HIGHLIGHTS TODAY:

Film critic Ryan Cyrek also watches TV.
Cleanup begins after what is probably the heaviest snowfall in two years.
The Nebraska State Legislature is only two votes away to pass a six-week abortion ban.

Have you seen TV lately? They’re almost as big as a pothole in Dodge Street and have sharper image quality than any of our puns. However, here’s a little tour of the stuff we’ve been broadcasting recently, and you should (or shouldn’t) be doing the same.

Ryan Cyrek. Published in Reader.

REED MOORE >>

AROUND OMAHA

Omaha crews begin clearing snowfall. Austin Roeser of Public Works says it’s probably the biggest amount the city has seen in two years. The snowfall was heavy enough to prompt OPS to cancel classes today, February 17th.

A University of Nebraska Medical Center study found that some areas of east Omaha average 9.4 degrees hotter in summer than other areas east of 90th Street. The study is part of an effort to map heat islands in the United States to help inform public health and equity politics.

The Humane Society of Nebraska is facing a capacity shortage with 272 of 274 dog kennels full (including overflow). Without help soon, the shelter may be forced to abandon pets and animals. It’s not just the Humane Society – Mud Paws also struggle with their ability to relocate and nurture.

Omaha police and community leaders host a forum to discuss issues of transparency and accountability. Community leadership says the Citizens’ Complaints Board is not representative of the city and needs to be reformed. The mayor sent someone from the Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

At a board meeting, the Omaha Food District hears more concerns about its plan to cut trees in a residential area stretching from 108th Street and Blondeau to 123rd Street and the Pacific Ocean. The OPPD is tearing down trees to replace power lines installed in the 1950s. Homeowners will receive damages and replacement trees.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Don’t forget to get an upgraded booster pack before heading to any of these events.

AROUND NEBRASKA

The Nebraska Legislature is only two votes away from passing a six-week abortion ban, according to the Flatwater Free Press. The opponents’ votes are two Republicans, Senator Tom Brandt and Senator Christy Armendaris. Brandt says he’s strongly leaning towards voting for the bill, while Armendaris says she’s uncomfortable sharing her position publicly. One Democrat, Senator Mike McDonnell, is a co-sponsor.

In the last quarter of 2022, Nebraska residents wagered $97.2 million on various forms of charity gambling, up nearly 5% from July, August and September. This means that, at least for now, the arrival of casinos in the state has not affected charity gambling. But with the advent of more casinos, this may change.