Howdy, Omaha — it’s Jeremy.
Since my first encounters with jaded veteran reporters, I’ve worried that overexposure to tragic, harrowing stories would make me emotionally numb to the suffering of my neighbors.
My skin has thickened as I approach a decade in journalism, but there are still some stories that hit me hard. Our feature piece this week is one of them.
FFP reporter Sara Gentzler spoke to Tanika Cannon, an Omaha native who experienced the immeasurable pain of a stillborn pregnancy.
In isolation, Cannon’s loss is truly devastating. In context, it’s maddening.
Babies born to Black Nebraskans like Cannon are far more likely to die in their first year than babies born to white mothers in the state. Racial disparities in infant mortality exist across the country, but Nebraska’s is one of the worst.
Local advocates say there are high hurdles to ensuring better care for pregnant Black women and their babies, including fresh Medicaid cuts, but there’s also hope. A program started in 2023 has trained dozens of women to serve as doulas. Cannon will soon join their ranks.
Read the story here (or click the photo above).
Sara will host a public discussion of maternal health at the Highlander in North Omaha on Aug. 21. Panelists include Dr. Ann Anderson Berry, medical director of a state group that has long worked to improve care, as well as State Sen. Ashlei Spivey and Kelly Nielsen, who head two efforts to address disparities locally.
On an unrelated note, I have a favor to ask. I’m looking to speak with current and former Nebraska high school athletes who transferred to a different public school district. If you or someone you know fits that bill, please reach out at jturley@flatwaterfreepress.org. I’d love to hear from you!
— Jeremy Turley, Flatwater Free Press
A few things I’m into: birthday celebrations, newsroom happy hours and any excuse to throw a tiny bowling ball. All three are happening this week at Bob & Willie’s Wonderbowl in Blackstone, where we’re raising a glass to the Nebraska Journalism Trust — and unofficially, to me.
Wonderbowl always delivers — I’ve been there for a wedding reception, a family gathering and now a work party. With mini lanes and mini pins, it’s the perfect spot for low-stakes competition. If you’re looking for something casual this weekend, roll through to play a game and grab a drink at the bar.
— Ani Schutz, Silicon Prairie News
CHI Health’s local hospitals treated 17 fireworks-related injuries over the holiday weekend, while its burn unit in Lincoln saw more than three dozen fireworks patients, WOWT reported. Burns, cuts and serious bruising from fireworks have become an unfortunate annual tradition in Omaha — at least 40 people were treated last year.
Omaha’s planned streetcar is going to cost an additional $32 million, Mayor John Ewing said. This is the second cost update to the controversial project, which started at $306 million and is now estimated at $421 million, writes Henry Cordes at The World Herald. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
The Henry Doorly Zoo announced it is closing the popular Stingray Beach exhibit indefinitely after several rays died under uncertain circumstances, WOWT reported. Staff have done extensive diagnostic and water testing, but the cause of death remains unknown, the zoo stated.
Former state senator Brett Lindstrom, a Republican, entered the increasingly crowded race to represent Omaha in Congress, KETV reports. He joins Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding on the right. State Sen. John Cavanaugh, Mark Johnston, Denise Powell and Evangelos Argyrakis, all Democrats, have also announced bids for the 2026 midterms.
Dan Osborn announced his candidacy against U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, Juan Salinas at the Nebraska Examiner writes. Osborn is a former labor leader and independent populist from Omaha who ran a closer-than-expected race against GOP Sen. Deb Fischer last year.
The Douglas County Board appointed Tim Cavanaugh to serve as county treasurer for the 18 months remaining on John Ewing’s term. Cavanaugh, a former deputy treasurer and longtime MUD board member, said he won’t run to retain the county office next year, The World-Herald’s Julie Anderson reported. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
The Texas Supreme Court reversed a $89.6 million judgment against Omaha-based Werner Enterprises. The trucking company had previously been slapped with a heavy fine following a crash involving one of its drivers that killed a 7-year-old boy, writes Dan Crisler at The World-Herald. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity