Howdy, Omaha – it’s Jeremy.
As a relative newcomer to Omaha, there’s a lot I had to learn about the city to feel like I belonged.
Some things I picked up quickly: Runzas are elevated Hot Pockets, Aksarben is just Nebraska spelled backward, and most importantly, never turn left on Dodge.
Other things took me a bit longer to understand. When my editors asked me to look into Douglas County’s new juvenile detention center, I’ll admit I was intimidated by the steep learning curve.
The juvenile justice system is deeply complex, and the political controversy surrounding this particular project predated my arrival in Omaha by half a decade. In technical terms, this story was a real can of worms.
But after surveying stacks of spreadsheets, interviewing more than 15 relevant sources and touring the new detention center, I felt prepared to share what I learned with all of you.
The state-of-the-art facility, built in downtown Omaha at a cost of $27 million, remains empty a year after its completion. Its already cost tax payers $177,000 in utilities and maintenance, and it may never be used for its original purpose.
Read the story here (or click the photo above).
— Jeremy Turley, Flatwater Free Press
Happy Thursday, Flatwater family! This month’s event list features learning & networking opportunities, local music experiences and a few family-friendly events — a little something for everyone.
Solutions Summit Follow Up
Let’s turn ideas into actions. Join us for the Solutions Summit Follow-Up Meeting. At this strategic brunch, we’ll dive into insights from the Solutions Summit held earlier this year and work together to create actionable steps to build community and address the challenges faced by African Americans aged 19-29.
– When: July 20, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
– Where: Village Empowerment Center – 5190 Sprague Plaza
Festivals at Home – Punk Rock
This monthly Sunday music series connects music lovers with amazing local artists, focusing on a different genre each month. Get ready to headbang at this month’s punk rock showcase. Coupled with a food and clothing drive this event is a great way to cap off your weekend. This event is being hosted at Local Art Plug’s physical location but it’s being organized by Festival at Home.
– When: July 21, 5-10 p.m.
– Where: Flatiron Building – 1722 St Marys Ave., Suite 110
Community Safety Day
A safe community is a happy community. Community Safety Day is a family-friendly function that connects safety experts and the public for an exciting day of interactive activities. FREE safety kits, food, and raffle giveaways are just some bonus perks you can expect.
– When: July 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
– Where: Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha Campus – 3000 Fort St.
Tilt 23
Featuring 23 local artists with unique musical styles and over 20+ vendors. This block party brings life back into this Vinton neighborhood near the recently reimagined Church Art House. This event has a little bit of something for everyone!
– When: July 27, noon-12 a.m.
– Where: The Church Art House – 3101 S. 20th St.
Omaha Poetry Slam
Bear witness to an intense clash of words
Each contestant will have 3 minutes to speak and be heard
Once a month on Saturday the second
At Dry Spokes, a poet champ is selected.
SLAM!… * Mic Drop*
– When: Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m. (doors open) 7 p.m. (start time)
– Where: Dry Spokes – 71901 Leavenworth St.
— Xavier Jackson is an Omaha-based entrepreneur who connects creatives and forges more opportunities for them through his organization Local Art Plug.
This weekend, I’m headed to GRRRL Camp at Falconwood Park! Thanks to a giveaway from Homer’s, I scored free tickets. The event features workshops, art, fun vendors, and most excitingly, tons of music! I’m thrilled to see sets from my favorite local DJs and artists like Annie DiRusso, Indigo De Souza and many more. And the best part?! — GRRRL Camp prides itself on having music for everybody, not just GRRRLs.
— Hailey Douma, Nebraska Journalism Trust
The Omaha Planning Department Landmarks Commission reviewed applications for certificates of authenticity (COA) for significant historical structures and districts. The meeting included evaluations of enhancements to Duchesne Academy, additions to the Omaha Star building and lighting upgrades in the Old Market historic district. All applications received approval from the board and will now go to the City Council for final approval. Stay tuned to City Council agendas for final project approvals and updates on upcoming construction in east Omaha. Visit our site to read our full summary. You can also read the full notes from the meeting.
Want to help inform your community and create better journalism while getting paid? Become a Documenter today.
— Leah Wambui Keinama, Nebraska Journalism Trust
The questions fly at me quickly.
“How old are you?”
“28,” I tell the scientist, surprised that in seconds I’ve lost control of the interview.
“Are you healthy?”
“I mean, I could probably exercise more,” I respond, wondering how anyone answers that question honestly.
“Can you eat a lot?”
We’ve arrived at the reason I called David Metz, a retired doctor and professor at the University of Pennsylvania who’s researched competitive eating. In just a week I’ll be attempting the Stellanator — a six-patty burger replete with cheese, eggs, bacon and peanut butter. Last week I talked to the owners of Stella’s for tips. This week I want to see what science can offer.
But first, I try to impress Metz. When I was 17, I tell him, I once ate about nine pancakes, two breakfast sandwiches, two orders of bacon, one order of sausage and several hash browns at IHOP. I wasn’t particularly hungry. I just wanted to see if I could do it. While my abilities have waned since then, maybe that fire still burns in me, I tell him.
Metz is not impressed. He asks me if I felt full then.
I was so full I couldn’t think, I admit.
As Metz launches into a detailed, and gross if I’m being honest, description of how the stomach works, my hopes deflate.
Metz and other researchers found people who eat herculean amounts of food have stomachs that stretch to super-human limits before they feel full. Some claim training — drinking lots of water or eating tons of low-calorie food — help stretch the stomach over time. Many just seem born with this ability.
I grew up hearing that corn syrup disables something in your brain that tells your body it’s full, I tell Metz. Is it possible that’s a strategy? Metz, again a medical doctor, could not confirm this fact I vaguely remember hearing on Nickelodeon in the early 2000s.
Metz couldn’t offer much more insight as competitive eating has not been that well studied. It’s a shame, he said, because the science could assist in developing techniques to help people with digestive issues.
At the same time, Metz cautions me. People have hurt themselves and even died trying to eat or drink more than their body can handle. Feeling vulnerable, I ask Metz how I should deal with failure if I don’t finish. He laughs.
Why people want to push things to those limits baffles Metz. But he also can’t help his curiosity.
He asks the details of the challenge I’m doing. How many people have attempted it? How many people have completed it?
When I tell him the record — that someone swallowed the Stellanator in under four minutes — it’s hard not to hear the mixture of amusement, horror and awe in his voice.
“Oh my God,” he said. “Jesus.”
— Chris Bowling, Flatwater Free Press
The hole in Omaha Public Schools’ employee pension fund has grown to more than $1 billion despite extra payments the district has paid into the fund, The World-Herald’s Henry Cordes reported. It’s the latest update of Cordes’ excellent 2019 series that uncovered OPS’ pension woes. (Note: Readers may need a subscription to view this story)
A local public housing tenant says she and her kids have been sickened by black mold in their home for years, but the Omaha Housing Authority has not solved the issue, KETV’s Kalé Searcy reported. The agency has faced repeated calls from residents this year to eliminate mold and bedbugs in its housing units.
The Omaha City Council returned from a two-week break with a loaded agenda. On Tuesday it granted the city eminent domain rights along the planned streetcar route, funded business districts with COVID relief funds and absorbed the newest Costco into Omaha’s ever-growing city limits.
A handful of current and former Huskers will be competing for their countries this summer at the Paris Olympics, The World-Herald reported. Volleyball legend Jordan Larson will vie for her fourth medal with Team U.S.A., while Nebrasketball alum Keisei Tominaga will suit up for Japan’s 5×5 team. Two ex-Creighton athletes will add to the state’s Olympic coalition. (Note: Readers may need a subscription to view this story.)
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity