Howdy, Omaha — it’s Jeremy.
I knew the stage wasn’t for me the moment I stepped out onto the gymnasium floor during my fifth grade production of “Oklahoma!” I was tasked with portraying Andrew Carnes, the overbearing father of Ado Annie, but I lacked the gruffness, comedic delivery and baritone voice that the character demanded. I’m glad a New York Times reviewer wasn’t there that night.
Ever since then, I’ve had a special appreciation for the courage and skill of those born for the spotlight. After reading Leo Adam Biga’s latest story, I have even more appreciation for those who picked up acting later in life as a way to share their own stories.
Three formerly incarcerated women form the backbone of a cast that will portray life in a women’s prison when the original play “By a Thread” premieres later this month at the Jewish Community Center of Omaha.
As cast member Christy Farlee put it, the play made her feel for the first time like her voice “has importance and can do something.”
Read Leo’s story here (or click the photo above).
Voter guide: Early voting is underway in Omaha’s April 1 primary. We put together an easy-to-use guide to help you learn more about the candidates for mayor and City Council.
DOGE cuts: Last week, we published our latest story on how actions by the Department of Government Efficiency have affected Nebraskans. The cost-cutting initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk canceled leases for five federal buildings in the state, including a Small Business Administration office in Omaha. Federal workers and landlords told me the lease terminations came without warning.
So much of the intel we’ve gathered about DOGE’s local impact has come from readers like you. Please shoot me a note at jturley@flatwaterfreepress.org if you or people in your orbit have been affected by DOGE’s cuts or layoffs. Your help is much appreciated!
— Jeremy Turley, Flatwater Free Press
30hop: The beer’s from here!
I can’t think of a restaurant that would’ve had 27 (largely) locally brewed beers on tap a decade ago — probably because back then, there simply weren’t that many beers brewed around here. 30hop, which opened two months ago off 144th and West Dodge, is putting an exclamation point on the success of the beer scenes in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas with, yes, 27 beers on tap. There are also cocktails, burgers, wings and plenty of surprising menu items that the manager said are meant to please every customer “from sweats to suits.” Does it work? Almost.
Read my latest review here (or click on the photo above).
Sarah Baker Hansen is an award-winning writer who has covered Omaha’s food scene for more than a decade. She posts restaurant reviews and food news on her blog, sarahbakerhansen.com.
Don’t miss the raw talent of Omaha’s young poets or a behind-the-scenes look at songwriting with Andrew Bailie and friends. Whether you’re looking to dive into pottery, empower your family’s wellness or elevate your civic voice, you’re in luck!
Youth Art Class at Hot Shops
Unlock your child’s creativity with Nebraska educator and artist Josephine Langbehn during this eight-week exploration of drawing, painting, printmaking and clay. Each workshop, geared toward ages 8-12, inspires imagination, builds artistic confidence and encourages kids to express themselves. No experience needed, just curiosity!
– When: Saturdays starting March 29, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
– Where: Hot Shops – 1301 Nicholas St., Omaha
Black Family Health and Wellness Fair
Take charge of your health — and bring the whole family — at the annual Black Family Health and Wellness Fair hosted by North High School. Connect with local health resources, gain valuable insights from wellness experts and empower your family to thrive, all in one convenient stop.
– When: March 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
– Where: North High School – 4410 N. 36th St., Omaha
All Writes Reserved: Omaha Preliminary Bouts
Feel the power, passion and rhythm as Nebraska’s young poets take the stage at Hot Shops Art Center, competing for a chance to advance in the All Writes Reserved youth spoken word festival. Be inspired by sharp performances and poetic storytelling you won’t soon forget.
– When: March 31 and April 1, 7:30-9 p.m.
– Where: Hot Shops – 1301 Nicholas St., Omaha
Songwriter Workshop with Andrew Bailie
What does it take to write the perfect song? Join Omaha musician Andrew Bailie for an intimate songwriting workshop followed by a live roundtable showcase featuring some of the city’s top singer-songwriters.
– When: March 20; Workshop 5-6:30 p.m., Showcase at 7 p.m.
– Where: NOMA – 2510 N. 24th St., Omaha
— Xavier Jackson is an Omaha-based entrepreneur who connects creatives and forges more opportunities for them through his organization Local Art Plug.
I’m a pretty chill person. My workout of choice tends to be a yoga session or a long walk through my neighborhood. That’s why it surprised my coworker Jeremy when he asked “Does anyone have a ‘What I’m Into’ this week?” and I replied: “Kickboxing.”
Let’s be real, the world is really stressful lately. And sometimes, you just need to punch something. So instead of punching people, I’ve started punching a giant bag. And let me tell you, it’s addicting.
A few times a week, I’m over at CKO Kickboxing. Their instructors are welcoming and encouraging, and they never fail to turn me into a sweaty and exhausted mess by the end of an hour-long class. If you, like me, are searching for stress relief, grab some gloves and give the bag your best right hook.
— Natalia Alamdari, Flatwater Free Press
After a rapid 40-degree downswing, a high-wind blizzard blew into eastern Nebraska, leaving thousands without power, WOWT reported. Shout out to all our local meteorologists for making sure we knew about this surprise storm.
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon’s outspoken support for Ukraine in its war against Russia has made him a “man in the wilderness” among Republicans, and he’s OK with that, the Omaha-area congressman told The World-Herald’s Steve Liewer. President Donald Trump ramped up his criticism of Ukraine after an Oval Office clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month. Other Nebraska politicians, including Sen. Deb Fischer, have echoed Trump’s rhetoric. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
A 23-year-old man appeared in court after being charged with assault and criminal mischief tied to a string of bizarre Bennington-area car crashes, WOWT reported. Police allege Spencer Rademacker intentionally placed large objects in roadways to cause crashes and sometimes showed up first at the scene to offer help. The man’s defense attorney noted that he has autism and ADHD.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation is planning turn lanes and a possible traffic light at an intersection of Skyline Drive and West Center Road on the western edge of the city, KMTV reported. More than two dozen collisions have occurred at the intersection since 2018.
Omaha is a national leader in turning office buildings into apartments, according to a new report detailed in The World-Herald. The biggest project of late has transformed downtown’s Central Park Plaza towers into 700 apartment units that will soon be available. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
The turning point for the Omaha Mavericks men’s basketball team came when an assistant coach berated and kicked the crap out of a trash can in the locker room, the AP’s Eric Olson reported. The outburst after a demoralizing loss early in the season birthed a unique post-game celebration known as “bash the trash can,” and the university has rallied around it, even inviting fans to bring their own trash cans to be filled with popcorn during a game. The trash-bashing Mavs, dancing in March for the first time, take on St. John’s tonight at 8:45 p.m.
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity