Drama ahead.
It's the once-every-decade combat and tension that tears at the fabric and comity of Nebraska's nonpartisan Legislature.
Redistricting is the moment when partisanship and party politics overwhelm the fundamental uniqueness of the single house that George Norris built.
Republicans are in charge during this special session.
They've got the numbers to prevail in strengthening their somewhat tenuous grip on metropolitan Omaha's 2nd Congressional District.
And perhaps even hold their losses in the Legislature, measured in terms of rural seats, to one even though census figures may suggest the need for two additional urban seats.
There will be a choice to be made by some senators who represent metropolitan Nebraska districts, their cities and urban interests or their political party.
Republicans have won 13 of the last 14 House contests in the 2nd Congressional District, thanks most recently to Sarpy County precincts, but they lost two of the last four presidential electoral votes in the district and they want to bring an end to that.
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There are congressional redistricting plans and ideas in the air — even one to split Douglas County and move a big northern chunk of it into the 1st District.
Separating the Black and Latino vote in Omaha probably would have a court challenge written all over it.
So that sounds like a nonstarter, although it's probably wise to remember that the Legislature lifted Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base out of their metropolitan Omaha home and placed them in the 1st District, represented by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Lincoln, 10 years ago.
The new census figures suggest that Lincoln-Lancaster County is entitled to 8.1 state senators. That's one more than Lincoln has today.
But it's going to be uphill for Lincoln as rural Nebraska fights to hold the urban addition to one and metropolitan Omaha lays claim to an additional senator or two.
The partisan battle that lies ahead might have been avoided if the COVID-19 pandemic had not struck the state last year.
One of its victims was a proposed constitutional amendment to reform Nebraska's redistricting process by turning it over to a newly created, nine-member citizens commission, which would recommend new district maps to the Legislature for its approval.
A petition drive to place the initiative on the 2020 general election ballot was scrapped in view of the dangers and challenges of collecting signatures.
Finishing up:
* A fond and admiring salute to Cindy Lange-Kubick, who has decided to step aside after 25 years of painting a rich portrait of life in our city with columns about the lives and dreams and triumphs and struggles of our neighbors.
* The two-word lede at the top of this column is for Cindy who "loves short sentences, fragments even," as she tells us on Twitter.
* Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha showed up at a meeting of the redistricting committee last week wearing a big-time impressive cowboy hat.
* The dissenting opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to deny a request to block the Texas abortion ban pending judicial review is the clearest evidence yet that this is not the Roberts Court.
* How can wearing masks to protect one another's health during a deadly pandemic be such a big fricking deal?
* Advertisements for mayonnaise on the field at a major college football game? Ugly.
* Far worse: Word that a high school quarterback has chosen to go to Rutgers because a six-figure endorsement contract awaits. Goodbye college football; it’s semi-pro now.
Top Journal Star photos for August
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln East players scramble through the cheerleader's gauntlet and onto the field to take on Lincoln Pius X on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at Seacrest Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Norris' Alivia Hausmann (3) returns a serve on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at Norris Middle School. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Rachael Johnson talks with LPD officer Joe Fisher as she removes the needle from his arm during the 12 Days of Hope Mario Herrera Blood Drive on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at Lincoln Fire & Rescue. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln Southeast's Kate Dobson outs Lincoln East's Morgan Adams at second base during a high school softball game, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, at Doris Bair Complex. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Hollis Alexander-Ramsay administers a does of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at Health Department. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Debbie Bauer (left) hooks a fresh worm onto Colten Hehn's (10, right) fishing rod on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, at Holmes Lake. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Nebraska’s Lexi Sun (11) points towards teammate Kennedi Orr (9) after a fourth set point on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Hastings' Oaklyn Smith (7) gets tackled by Lincoln's Caden Steiger (24) on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at Lloyd Wilson Field. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Hastings' Elijah Combs (2) fails to catch a pass as Lincoln's Jace Elliott (86) blocks on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at Lloyd Wilson Field. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Greeted by Lil' Red and Herbie Husker, thousands of members of the Class of 2025 rush onto the field to form a large "N" in the center of Memorial Stadium on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lucy (right), an 11-month-old German shepherd, waits for her owner John McNeil to fling a tennis ball into the water on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at Holmes Lake Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Igor, a male turkey vulture, takes a dead mouse from Jamie Kelley, naturalist for Lincoln Parks and Recreation, during meal time at Pioneers Park Nature Center on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln High's Raymond Strozier (left) and Zavier Gamble enjoy a long run from a freshman teammate during practice on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at Beechner Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

A school bus enters the lot on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at Lincoln Public Schools Transportation. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Beatrice's Kiera Paquette tees off during the Girls Golf Tee-Off Invitational, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at Holmes Golf Course. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Saltdogs' Justin Byrd (21) fist bumps kids after signing hats, bats, and balls after the game on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Haymarket Park. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln Lutheran kicker Seth Stowell works alone on his kicking during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, on the school's practice field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

The Lincoln Northeast softball team and head coach Melissa Martinez talk at practice on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Portrait of Walter Meier Jr., a former Cushman scooter test-rider, sits atop John Els' 1959 Cushman Highlander on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, at Oak Lake Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost and athletic director Trev Alberts talk to the media Aug. 18 at Memorial Stadium. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln East kicker Demetrius Bryant (20) hits the ball under hold of teammate Kellen Gorr during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, on the school's practice field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

A bee collects nectar from a flower at Union Plaza, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Players prepare to run a drill on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at Lincoln Southwest High School. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

School counselor Heather Harris (L) organizes students arriving by bus for the first day of school at Everett Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Saltdogs' Yanio Perez (39) high fives his watchdog before the National Anthem on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, at Haymarket Park. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Garth Brooks performs on stage during his largest ticketed concert on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Bryan Necome kisses his girlfriend Tara Lennemann under I-180 before the Garth Brooks concert on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Memorial Stadium. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

RJ Morgan (3) plays with his B-29 model while he waits in line to tour the B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil with his father Elias Morgan on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Ross Aviation. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Alexander Rohrbaugh (37) runs a tackling drill on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Parkview Christian High School. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Members of the public react after the critical race theory resolution fails to pass on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Varner Hall. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

The Hacienda Brothers perform on stage during ZooFest on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, on 14th Street. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln Pius X quarterback Tyrus Petsche looks for an open receiver on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, during a pre-season practice at Aldrich Field. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Nebraska's Reagan Raabe (7) tries to head in the corner as South Dakota State goalkeeper Emma Harkleroad eyes the incoming ball in the first half on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, during an exhibition match at Hibner Stadium. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

The Lincoln Christian football team practices on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Construction of a new railroad underpass for the Salt Creek Levee Trail continues on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, near South 1st and J Streets. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Willie Nelson (bottom) smiles at the audience during the opening song of his set, "Whiskey River," with Billy English performing on drums on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at the Pinewood Bowl. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lincoln Southeast junior Max Buettenback (29) runs drills in practice on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Jayden Potter runs a drill during practice on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, at North Star High School. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Logan (12) and Bailey Brooks (9) pose for their mother to take a photo during the 60th annual National Wilber Czech Festival on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Downtown. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Duane Humlicek plays in the Accordion Jamboree during the 60th annual National Wilber Czech Festival on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at T.J. Sokol. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Fans cheer during the Lancaster Fair Limited Weld Demolition Derby on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at Lancaster Event Center. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Jerrod Anderson (26) gets pushed onto Judge Haitin Bartek (33X) during the Lancaster Fair 90's & Newer Demolition Derby on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at Lancaster Event Center. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Members of the audience raise placards during public comments on draft No. 2 of proposed health education standards in front of the State Board of Education on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at the Nebraska Innovation Campus. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Hickman baseball players celebrate the win against Alliance in the Class B American Legion state championship game, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lied Place Residences on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Hundreds of members of the Yezidi community and local supporters cross the top of the dam on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, at Holmes Lake Park. Members of the Yezidi community gathered to remember and honor the victims of the August 2014 genocide. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

A Lincoln Police officer inspects a car involved in a Monday night shooting at the Edgewood Shopping Center, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Blooming anemones attract a bumblebee at the Sunken Gardens on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

What three-year-old Alice Donica of Milford lacked in time, she made up with a stylish dismount during the Mutton Bustin' event on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at the Seward County Fair. Over 60 children competed for a belt buckle for the longest time spent on sheep. Skylar Otey, 7, of Seward won the buckle with a time of 10.6 seconds. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for August

Lauren Stivrins (center) watches campers do ice breakers during the Youth Volleyball Camp on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at Kinetic Sports Complex. EAKIN HOWARD, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSdon