Ambition, manipulation, competition, drive and cheating.
I’m not talking about the Omaha elections. At least, I hope not. No, that’s how a film historian described Alexander Payne’s 1999 movie “Election” to Leo Adam Biga. And we’ve got a big secret to share: Tracy Flick is coming back for “a very, very Omaha movie.”
If you haven’t seen “Election” … do you not like movies or something? Based on the novel “Election,” the 1999 movie follows Flick (Reese Witherspoon) an Omaha high schooler hell-bent on winning a school election. Social studies teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) tries to thwart her.
The 2022 novel sequel follows a middle-aged Flick who’s trying to become a high school principal. Witherspoon and Paramount+ approached Payne and his writing partner Jim Taylor about the idea of continuing the on-screen story.
Payne said he wants to avoid a “greatest hits” with his first sequel. As a fan, I share that anxiety, but I feel like there’s a big appetite right about now for a funny, thoughtful story about how politics can twist and mutate people.
Also, he’s hoping to shoot it here. If it is, it’d be the first of his movies shot here in more than a decade. Love that. Let me know if I need to campaign for a role.
Check out Leo’s story here (or click the photo above)
— Chris Bowling, Flatwater Free Press
In real election news, Democrat John Ewing will be Omaha’s next mayor and its first elected Black mayor.
And he didn’t just win. He crushed Mayor Jean Stothert, a Republican who raised a lot more money and easily won all three of her previous elections. There’s some chatter, locally and nationally, about what that means.
Stothert put it pretty bluntly yesterday in a press conference: “There’s no doubt Omaha is blue now.”
In January, we wrote about Democrats’ recent struggles to win big races in Omaha. With the mayor’s office checked off, is a federal representative within reach? And an even bigger question: Is Omaha a sign Trump is poisoning the well for other Republicans?
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin claimed it as a victory, writing, “After tonight, vulnerable House Republicans like Don Bacon are on notice.” The Washington Post called it “Another warning sign for Republicans in a critical battleground area.”
Bacon told Erin Bamer and Josh Reyes at The World-Herald that maybe voters just wanted a change after 12 years of the same candidate. Bacon, who hasn’t decided whether to run in 2026, holds one of the most vulnerable positions in the House. Others told Erin and Josh the city’s just becoming more progressive, though there are pockets of voters that make outcomes less predictable.
Stothert attributed her loss, in part, to low turnout. Fewer than a third of registered voters went to the polls Tuesday. The outgoing mayor reiterated that Omaha should get rid of off-cycle elections, saying they cost taxpayers money and “turnout is so bad.” As we reported last week, she’s part of an unlikely coalition of politicians pushing to sync city elections with statewide ones.
But it’s probably a combination of factors, political science professor Randy Adkins at the University of Nebraska at Omaha told us. John Ewing has won countywide elections for 20 years. He nearly won a congressional race against Republican Lee Terry in 2012. Democrats outnumber Republicans here, and people probably didn’t like the anti-LGBTQ+ attack mailers sent by Stothert allies.
Whatever the reason, it’s definitely a sign of things to come, Adkins said.
“This is a bellwether for what to expect in the midterms next year in (the second congressional district) and possibly in competitive congressional districts nationally,” Adkins wrote in an email.
— Chris Bowling, Flatwater Free Press
From sipping cocktails with the Omaha Star to dancing in the streets at the Watu Block Party, May is packed with moments you don’t want to scroll past. In this week’s “Sights and Sounds,” we have events to score vintage treasures, discover local art gems and get the tools to launch your dream business. Whether you’re here for the culture, the community or the cocktails, trust us: missing out isn’t an option.
Cocktails & Conversation with The Omaha Star
Raise a glass with The Omaha Star team for an evening of updates, introductions and meaningful dialogue. Hear from publisher Terri D. Sanders, meet the new faces behind Nebraska’s historic Black newspaper and connect with the community over cocktails.
– When: May 15, 5:45 p.m.
– Where: 2423 N. 24th St.
Castle & Cathedral District Art Walk
Explore art, food and family fun during this neighborhoodwide celebration featuring live music, local vendors and curated exhibitions across multiple venues. From watercolor showcases to youth art inspired by “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” this stroll down 40th Street is a must-see for all ages.
– When: May 15, 5-8 p.m.
– Where: 40th Street between Dodge and Cuming
Connect with more than 25 resource partners offering support in technical assistance, lending, coaching and more. Whether you’re launching or growing, this free event is packed with tools to help you succeed.
– When: May 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
– Where: 2112 N. 30th St., Suite 103
Tiny House Vintage Vault Yard Sale
Tiny House is unlocking its hidden trove of vintage treasures for a one-time-only yard sale during the Little Bohemian Spring Market. Expect mid-century furniture, rare finds and cocktails.
– When: May 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
– Where: 1411 S. 13th St.
Celebrate culture, community and connection at the Watu Block Party with live DJs, local art, food vendors and family-friendly fun. Start the day with a community stroll, and stay for the party in the Flatiron District — then turn up after 5 p.m. for the 21+ evening vibe. Just a disclaimer: my organization Local Art Plug is helping put on this event.
– When: May 31; 11 a.m. start, 21+ after 5 p.m.
– Where: 1722 St. Marys Ave. (Flatiron District)
— Xavier Jackson is an Omaha-based entrepreneur who connects creatives and forges more opportunities for them through his organization Local Art Plug.
This Saturday, I’m helping out at Pavement to Paddleboard, a community event at Lake Cunningham from 10 a.m. to noon hosted by Camp Outpost. The event will introduce people to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, including paddle strokes, keeping your balance, water safety and outdoor ethics. It’s a chance to get out on the water, try something new, and enjoy some time outside. I love activities that make outdoor recreation more accessible, and this one does just that.
— Leah Wambui Keinama, Nebraska Journalism Trust
Incumbents prevailed in Omaha City Council elections, and the council’s partisan makeup of four Democrats and three Republicans remained unchanged. Democrat LaVonya Goodwin, director of the North 24th Street Business Improvement District, beat former Councilman Ben Gray, a Democrat, in the only race without an incumbent. The closest race came from the northwest suburbs, where a Democrat who prioritized protecting reproductive rights, affordable housing and immigrants got within about 10 points of incumbent Republican Aimee Melton, who won a narrow victory over another progressive four years ago.
Omahans also passed a charter amendment that will give voters a chance to fill a vacancy on the City Council if it comes in the first two years of a council member’s term, KETV reported. The council will still fill vacancies that happen in the latter two years of a term.
Voters in Washington County widely rejected an initiative to put a police gun range near Fort Calhoun, KETV reported. The proposed range, meant to provide a venue for Omaha police training, will go forward at a different location, Stothert told reporters.
Henry Doorly Zoo mourned the death of Chino, a beloved sea lion who spent 15 years in Omaha, KETV reported. Chino came to the zoo after scarring from a fisherman’s net left him unable to continue living in his Pacific Ocean home.
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity