REASON - FSM: Hosted by Jim Bechtel# REASON - FSM: Hosted by Jim Bechtel
A modest topic: The Universe!
A 24-minute video from the American Museum of Natural History, "Journey to the Stars" starts out simple enough for a child,
but rises to challenge the limits of our imagination.
Followed by free-wheeling discussion of whatever's on your mind that day.
Differing viewpoints are welcomed in the discussion periods. We expect that discussions can be spirited, bear in mind that this is hosted within a public library.
Topics of meetings change each month. Sometimes we will have a speaker and sometimes we watch a video and discuss.
Participation is always welcome, but be ready to cite your sources if challenged.
[https://www.meetup.com/reason-rationalists-empiricists-and-skeptics-of-nebraska/events/](https://www.meetup.com/reason-rationalists-empiricists-and-skeptics-of-nebraska/events/)
April 4, 2026 - 2pm @ W. Clarke Swanson Public Library, 90th & Dodge, Room 1 - lower level
[REASON Omaha](https://www.reason.ws)
Masking is not currently required to attend, but may be advisable for immune-compromised or unvaxxed people.
As of the last week of March, Influenza A, and to a lesser extent, Influenza B are the most prevalent of tracked respiratory diseases. This part of the state is at around mid-scale for cases and the Northernmost central area registers at the upper end with up to 56 cases per 100K. RSV is next, and that "Three Rivers" area (Blair, Fremont, Wahoo) is right in the thick of it with 30 cases per 100K.
Covid-19 cases in the state as a whole were at a lower level than any other year during week 11 since Covid-19 began. Douglas County is still less afflicted than the surrounding counties. Sarpy County is the new "hot spot" for Covid-19, showing up to 10 cases per 100K, the area around Kearney and also around Ponca are similar to Sarpy.
[https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Seasonal-Respiratory-Diseases.aspx](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Seasonal-Respiratory-Diseases.aspx&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0Xp02jBPHCXYgXw5VcNHFr)