Howdy, Omaha — it’s Jeremy,
If you’re anything like me, your preconceptions about crime come mainly from police procedurals and action-thrillers starring Liam Neeson and his “particular set of skills.”
But, as I found out these last months, the plot of “Taken” isn’t all that representative of how sex trafficking occurs in real life.
Kidnappings by strangers are exceedingly rare, and international crime syndicates aren’t the only ones responsible for heinous trafficking crimes.
The sad, troubling truth is that child sex trafficking happens in our city. It could even be happening at that motel down the road or in that broken-down house you pass on your way to work.
For a long time, these crimes were hard to prosecute — victims usually didn’t come forward on their own. But a novel Omaha program originally designed to help runaway kids has seen some stunning results in the fight against trafficking.
22 convictions. 37 arrests. 50 trafficking survivors helped.
Now, the program created by Omaha police and child advocacy center Project Harmony is becoming a model for other cities.
You can read my story here (or click the photo above).
Earlier this week, we published a story smartly headlined “No raids, many rumors” about how fear of intense immigration enforcement has manifested in communities across the state.
Rumors and fake news about ICE’s Omaha presence run rampant on social media, but so far, there have been no documented raids here or anywhere else in the state, Natalia Alamdari reports.
At the same time, some county jails are detaining more people for the federal agency, which seems to be ramping up certain targeted enforcement.
Click here to read Natalia’s story.
— Jeremy Turley, Flatwater Free Press
Whether you’re looking to shape the future of our creative scene, witness the magic of storytelling or sip on a Diaspora hibiscus ginger tea while playing Black Music Bingo, we’ve got something for you.
Ceramic Face Jugs Workshop
Join teaching artist Jon Wilson for a hands-on workshop at The Union for Contemporary Art where you’ll learn to throw and decorate jugs like a pro. Watch a live demo, get creative with premade pieces and dive into a discussion on techniques and aesthetics.
– When: Feb. 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
– Where: 2423 N. 24th St.
Black Music Bingo at Cups Café
Turn up the nostalgia and test your music knowledge at Cups Café’s Black Music Bingo — where the beats are legendary, the prizes are sweet and the drinks are straight-up. We’re celebrating Black History Month with 2000s hip-hop.
– When: Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
– Where: 8501 N. 30th St.
The Ladies of 87.9 Black Out
Radio station 87.9 The CLTR is turning up the volume with The Ladies of 87.9 Black Out — an electrifying night of music, energy and pure vibes at Annie’s Irish Pub. Expect a legendary lineup, a packed dance floor and a vibrant atmosphere.
– When: Feb. 23, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
– Where: 1101 Davenport St.
UNO Writer’s Workshop 2025 Reading Series: Chris Harding Thornton
For more than 40 years, the UNO Writer’s Workshop Reading Series has brought nationally acclaimed authors to Omaha — and this year is no exception. Don’t miss Chris Harding Thornton at UNO’s Criss Library as she shares insights into her gripping, critically acclaimed novels “Pickard County Atlas” and “Little Underworld.”
– When: Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
– Where: 6401 S. University Dr. Rd. N
Meet the Star: Coffee & Conversations
Ever wondered what goes into creating Omaha’s historic Black newspaper? Grab a free cup of coffee and join The Omaha Star for an intimate, no-filter conversation about the stories that shape our community. Meet the team, share what’s on your mind and help keep this legendary publication a powerful voice for Omaha’s future.
– When: Feb. 27, noon
– Where: 2112 N. 30 St.
Creative Town Hall
Omaha creatives, this one’s for you! The Creative Town Hall is your chance to connect, collaborate and help shape the future of the Midwest’s creative scene. Full disclosure, my organization Local Art Plug hosts this quarterly gathering where big ideas, real talk and fresh opportunities come to life.
– Where: 1722 St. Marys Ave
– When: Feb. 28, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
— Xavier Jackson is an Omaha-based entrepreneur who connects creatives and forges more opportunities for them through his organization Local Art Plug.
If you haven’t experienced it yet, Wonderbowl is a game for people like me. For those whose athletic peak came in elementary school. For people who believe bowling is just a bit too hard. It’s bowling minus the heavy balls, a sweet little tabletop version that lets you feel like a champ without worrying about pulling a muscle. And let me tell you: I’m undefeated.
But it’s your lucky day, because there’s a tournament on Saturday, and I won’t be there to defend my crown. Instead, you have an opportunity to do some good. Half of the pot goes to the person with the high score, while the rest goes to the local chapter of the American Heart Association. Go throw some pins, and maybe, just maybe, put up a score that would put me to shame. I wouldn’t bet on it.
WHERE: Wonderbowl at Blue Sky, 10730 Pacific St.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 12-3 p.m.
— Matt Wynn, Nebraska Journalism Trust
An Omaha mayoral candidate called the city’s homeless services coordinator a “DEI hire” that he would fire on his first day in office, Chris Burbach at the Omaha World-Herald writes. Other candidates called the comments made by Mike McDonnell insulting, infuriating and inappropriate, KETV reports. McDonnell cited a statistic from a Flatwater Free Press analysis that unsheltered homelessness rose 1200% since 2013, which is true though it lacked context. Omaha still has one of the smallest homeless populations among major U.S. cities and has added some of the fewest resources for people experiencing homelessness.
(You may need a subscription to read The World-Herald article.)
A Nebraska State Patrol trooper and Millard West High School graduate, who died after a snow plow hit him on Interstate 80, is remembered as a caring student and partner, KETV reports. This week’s extreme cold and snow also brought concerns for Omaha’s homeless community: KMTV reported on shelters filling up and mayoral candidates sparring over the rising problem. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also said one woman died in a tent from the cold. A Fremont woman died in a crash on West Dodge Road, WOWT reports.
An Omaha man long suspected of a 1979 double murder was arrested as new DNA testing and investigatory information emerged, The World-Herald’s Molly Ashford reported. A clerical error forced prosecutors to drop charges against Abdulmalik Husain in 2004. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
The Douglas County Youth Center locks children in isolation at triple the rate it did a few years ago and for much longer periods than other youth detention centers in the state, the aforementioned Ashford reported. (You may need a subscription to read this story.)
A Gretna opossum stole headlines in CNN, the New York Post and Forbes after housing an entire Costco tuxedo mousse cake. The rapacious rodent was hospitalized at Nebraska Wildlife Rescue, where doctors discovered she was suffering from unrelated lead toxicity — a condition that might have otherwise killed her. Now, the so-called Cake Bandit is expected to make a full recovery.
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity