The freezing wind swept across the asphalt. People clutching their coats hustled inside the midtown Omaha Target, scurrying past a shopping cart piled with blankets. Inside, Jonathan Martin sipped his Starbucks as he listened to the questions.

“What’s your birthday?” asked Todd Fleischer.

LINCOLN — Real estate representatives told state lawmakers Wednesday what they feel is coming: attempts by cities in Nebraska to control rent on private property.

“It’s not made up that this is a boogeyman,” said Dennis Tierney of the Metro Omaha Property Owners Association. “We’re trying to be proactive.”

LINCOLN — Jason Witmer has become a familiar face in the Nebraska Capitol, often testifying in suit and tie about state policies as a fellow for ACLU Nebraska.

On Friday his perspective turned personal, skipping remarks prepared for the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee to instead shed light on a lengthy prison stay — in which he spent many parts of his years there isolated “in the hole.”