Sarah Baker Hansen is an award-winning writer and food critic.To subscribe to the Flatwater Free Press Thursday Omaha Newsletter, click here.To contact Sarah, click here.To listen to the first part of Sarah’s appearance on OMAPOD, click here. ALSO…* North Omaha leaders challenge Nebraska’s African American Affairs commission - from WOWT* ‘Winner-take-all’ is back, Omaha’s Blue Dot Group is opposing the change - from KMTV* Trump Justice Department files to drop charges against former Nebraska U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry - from Nebraska Examiner

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

Sarah Baker Hansen is an award-winning writer and food critic. ALSO…* Impact of a federal funding freeze on the City of Omaha and Douglas County - from KMTV* Local Afghan refugees concerned about pause of resettlement program - from KETV* Chief Justice Funke’s first ‘State of the Judiciary’ lauds probation services, calls for more funds - from Nebraska Examiner

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

Ocho De La Rosa is a stand-up comedian and improviser.ALSO…* Protesters gather in south Omaha over nationwide ICE raids - from KETV* State’s largest union accepts labor contract aimed at luring ‘new generation’ of public servants - from Nebraska Examiner* Shelters designed to keep feral Omaha cats warm damaged in fire; arson investigation underway - from Omaha World-Herald

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

John Ewing is the Douglas County Treasurer and a candidate for Mayor of Omaha.To listen to Part One of his OMAPOD appearance, click here. To listen to Part Two, click here.ALSO…* Nebraska state senator introduces new private school scholarship bill after voters reject 2024 law - from KETV* Omaha community advocates collect donations for City View apartment residents - from WOWT* Creighton Pink Out game brings appreciation, joy to dancer who survived cancer - from KMTV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

John Ewing is the Douglas County Treasurer and a candidate for Mayor of Omaha.To listen to Part One of his OMAPOD appearance, click here. ALSO…* Nebraska kids as young as 12 could be charged as adults under plan backed by governor, prosecutors - from Omaha World-Herald* Lawmakers vote to limit ‘soft no’s’ during final stage of debate on Nebraska bills - from Nebraska Examiner* Calvin Jones, an Omaha Central grad and former Husker football standout, dies at 54 - from KETV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

Anita BisQuette will be performing at the Joslyn Castle benefit drag brunch + art show ‘Queens for the Castle’ - Ron Preston is the emcee of the event. Kelli Bello is the Director of Development and Outreach for Joslyn Castle. ALSO…* Tenant law attorney provides insight on legal options for residents at City View Apartments - from KETV* Nebraska lawmakers will have options when revamping ‘good life law’ - from Nebraska Examiner* Changes to ICE arrest policy raises questions at Omaha churches and schools - from KMTV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

John Ewing is the Douglas County Treasurer and a candidate for Mayor of Omaha. To watch John’s mayoral campaign announcement speech and media Q&A referenced in this episode, click here. ALSO…* Omaha mayor and police chief explain what city will do about immigration enforcement - from Omaha World-Herald* Lawmaker proposes new medication abortion requirements, documentation in Nebraska - from Nebraska Examiner* Gretna moves forward with Good Life District process amid questions from state leaders - from KETV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

Allison Swenson is General Director of Opera Omaha.For information about the 2025-’26 Season, click here.For information about their upcoming production of The Rake’s Progress, coming to The Orpheum Theater on Feb. 7th at 7:30 PM and Feb. 9th at 2:00 PM, click here.For tickets, click here.ALSO…* Omaha police searching for man who allegedly stabbed 29-year-old in robbery - from Omaha World-Herald* Fate of Nebraska Legislature filibuster rule centers on rural-urban split more than party - from Nebraska Examiner* MLK Day in Omaha: ‘People evoke Dr. King’s name but they do not share Dr. King’s nature’ - from KMTV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

Allison Swenson is General Director of Opera Omaha.For information about their upcoming production of The Rake’s Progress, coming to The Orpheum Theater on Feb. 7th at 7:30 PM and Feb. 9th at 2:00 PM, click here.For tickets, click here.ALSO…* ‘Make something special’: Gretna mayor shares insight into plans for Good Life District - from KETV* Nebraska kids could be detained for serious crimes younger, at age 11, charged as adults at 12 - from Nebraska Examiner* Omaha Playhouse names Vincent Orduna as artistic director - from Omaha World-Herald

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com

Brian Jeffers, a Tenor, is a vocalist, actor and Omaha-native starring as Sellem in the upcoming production of The Rake’s Progress, coming to The Orpheum Theater on Feb. 7th at 7:30 PM and Feb. 9th at 2:00 PM.For information about The Rake’s Progress production from Opera Omaha, click here.For tickets, click here.ALSO…* Case dismissed against 11-year-old in August carjacking and shooting - from KETV* University of Nebraska’s president says governor’s budget would harm growth, state’s economy - from Omaha World-Herald* Thermal drone helps save pets in Omaha area - from KMTV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.omapod.com