Editor’s note: The Reader assisted Heart Ministry Center in the conceptual stage of this documentary, including providing the organization with trauma-informed reporting techniques, but was not involved in its production. Amy Holmes has seen how the people most impacted by incarceration can be the least heard when it comes to improving the system. “It’s a […]
Posted inCulture
‘We Are a Refuge’: River City Mixed Chorus Sings In Defiance of Nebraska’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
The River City Mixed Chorus (RCMC) took the stage for its annual concert on June 10, and the audience at the Holland Center broke into cheers and applause. The music took us back to the ’70s, and the love emanating throughout the room was palpable. A room full of LGBTQIA+ people and allies gathered to […]
Posted inNews
North 24th Street’s Ital Vital Living Juice Shop Has Taught Owner Imani Murray to ‘Pivot and Go With the Seasons’
Imani Murray started making juices out of her home in North Omaha in 2019 to educate people about healthy eating. That passion grew into Ital Vital Living, a juice and smoothie business she runs with her mom and sister at 2323 N. 24th St. Juneteenth marked the two year anniversary for the drive-thru brick-and-mortar shop […]
Posted inNews
New Recall Petition Filed as Frustrations Flare Over Vinny Palermo Omaha City Council Seat
An Omaha resident has filed paperwork to recall his Omaha City Councilman for failing to advocate for an emergency election to fill the seat of another councilmember currently in jail awaiting trial on fraud charges. Michael Pilypaitis, a resident of District 3 in midtown Omaha, said his representative, Danny Begley, is blocking an opportunity for […]
Posted inNews
The Reader is a Finalist for Five National Journalism Awards
The Omaha Reader is up for five national journalism awards from the Association for Alternative Newsmedia, including recognition for three stories reported and published in collaboration with local, state and national newsrooms. The Association for Alternative Newsmedia is a national organization made up of more than 100 independent news organizations throughout the country. The Reader […]
Posted inNews
Foreign-Born Huskers Contribute 8% of State Economic Input, Report says
Nebraska immigrants and refugees seen as potential ‘economic powerhouse’ and workforce supply source not fully tapped
Posted inNews
Energy Efficiency Creates Healthier Homes and Saves Residents Money. Here’s How to Make the Changes in Your Omaha Household.
This story is part of The Reader’s Climate Beacon Newsroom initiative with Solutions Journalism Network. From March to the end of September 2023, we are pursuing solutions-oriented stories about climate change’s effects in Omaha. Bianca Johnson had one priority when she became the owner of her green-shuttered Northwest Omaha home in 2019. “As soon as I moved in, […]
Posted inNews
Could ‘Single Subject Rule’ Trip Up Merger of Abortion and Anti-trans Bills?
A blockbuster pairing of two controversial bills in the waning days of the 2023 state legislative session has state senators and advocates buzzing.
Posted inNews
Groundbreaking Event for $65 Million Project Expected to be Nebraska’s New Medical Business Hub
The giant shell of an old steel plant in midtown Omaha is to be transformed within a couple of years into Nebraska’s new, roughly $65 million hub of medical business innovation.
Posted inCulture
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Benson Theatre
South Omaha’s historic Cinco de Mayo parade isn’t until next week, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to wait to celebrate the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Join the new South Omaha Immigration History Museum Friday, May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening honoring a […]
Posted inNews
Omaha Pursues $1M Federal Climate Change Planning Grant
Omaha is on track to receive $1 million from the federal government to fund climate change planning and reduce greenhouse gasses in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area. Marco Floreani, the deputy chief of economic development, told The Reader the City of Omaha submitted its notice to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to receive funding […]
Posted inNews
Updated Form Filed to Recall Omaha City Councilmember Vinny Palermo Following Fraud Charges
This story originally appeared in El Perico. This story was updated Thursday to include the updated recall petition filing form. A South Omaha resident has filed for a petition to recall Omaha City Council member Vinny Palermo, who was arrested Friday and faces nine felony fraud charges, including allegedly steering $93,000 worth of city contracts […]
Posted inNews
FBI Indicts Omaha City Councilman Vinny Palermo, Former Omaha Police Officers
Omaha City Councilman Vinny Palermo took gifts of airfare, luxury hotel accommodations, travel arrangements and other items in exchange for political favors, new federal court documents allege. Palermo also allegedly did not disclose a financial conflict of interest when he steered $93,000 worth of city contracts toward his companies, obtained a Payment Protection Program loan […]
Posted inNews
The Reader’s April 2023 Issue
Wind energy, biodynamic farming, and more in this month’s sustainability-focused issue of The Reader
Posted inTheater, Uncategorized
Our Newsroom Reported on Omaha’s Inequities For a Year. Here’s What We Learned — and What Comes Next.
It’s been more than a year since The Reader’s editorial team announced the start of our (DIS)Invested series in January 2022. When we first committed to the year-long series, we had big ambitions. We told you we’d refocus our editorial team to prioritize our reporting on inequity in Omaha through the lenses of housing, education, […]
Posted inNews
Douglas County Corrections Sees Staffing Levels Improve
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners received a monthly update from Corrections Director Mike Myers, who reported improvements in the department’s staffing, which increased from 80.5% of authorized levels to 86.5% in the month of January. Only five officers left employment in January, while eight graduated from training on Feb. 3. He said another 37 […]
Posted inNews
Respite Program Addresses Many Needs of Omaha’s Homeless
Photos by Brock Stillmunks Whether home means an improvised living space, a dedicated shelter or couch surfing, the homeless often seek primary health care in ERs. But admitting the homeless as patients poses a problem. Even after treatment, their hospital stays may extend in lieu of a stable home for post-acute care recovery. Hospital beds get […]
Posted inNews Briefs
Best Films of ’22, Reader at Community Event, Doctors Protecting Abortion
Film critic Ryan Syrek fills out his list of best films from 2022. Dundee Book Company hosts The Reader for a community conversation. A profile of eight female doctors fighting to protect abortion rights in Nebraska.
Posted inNews
Through Our Eyes: Omaha’s Defining Moments of 2022
In 10 years’ time, what news will shape your memory of 2022? Will you remember when you first heard Russia invaded Ukraine, or will you think of crowds gathered at Omaha City Hall to protest the Supreme Court’s leaked decision to overturn Roe v. Wade? Will advertisements from midterm election candidates play in your head? […]
Posted inNews
Soccer and Small Businesses: The Simple Foundation Invests in Omaha’s Immigrant and Refugee Youth
Before five o’clock on any given weeknight, the South Omaha building at 3003 Q St. is relatively quiet. Then the kids start to arrive. Some come by bus from North and South Omaha neighborhoods; others get dropped off by family or walk over from their homes at the neighboring Southside Terrace Apartments, Omaha’s largest public […]
Posted inNews
A Morning in Omaha’s Immigration Court
At 8:20 a.m. on a sunny Wednesday morning in October, about 25 people crowded the hallway in a government building on the edge of Omaha. Three young women chatting in Spanish leaned against the windows and sat in black metal folding chairs as they waited for a courtroom door to open. In the lobby near […]
Posted inCulture
November Notes
Some notable events hit at the beginning of the month. There’s a benefit for Lincoln guitarist Benjamin Kushner on Friday, Nov. 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at The B. Bar. Kushner plays with both Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal and Mezcal Brothers. Alt rock fans will recognize Kushner as a former guitarist for The Millions. Kushner is […]
Posted inVisual Arts
Ofrendas De Corazón at the Benson Theatre
The Mexican American Historical Society of the Midlands, or MAHSM, will celebrate Día de Muertos at the Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St., this Wednesday, Nov. 2. Ofrendas De Corazón runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and includes verbal ofrendas, poetry, music and dance performances from more than forty contributors to celebrate and honor people’s loved […]
Posted inNews
As Nebraska’s Latino Voters Grow in Power, Candidates Fight for Their Support in the Second District
Latinos are the second-largest group of voters and the fastest-growing demographic in Nebraska. They’ve been a politically powerful group in the 2nd Congressional District, where candidates are fighting for their vote.
Posted inCulture
Shinyribs
Sunday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m., $35 GA to $600 VIP boothBarnato, 225 N 170th St #100, Omahabarnato.bar/events Austin supergroup Shinyribs is self-described as “a sonic melting pot of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn-driven Memphis soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock.” The band is led by vocalist-songwriter-guitarist Kevin Russell, commanding […]
Posted inCulture
Dance-Floor Fix
A recent weekend of music at Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar reminded me how much serious, national-level talent we have locally. Matt Cox & The Marauders played the early show on a Friday, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal played the late show that night and an early show the next. These are two of the best […]
Posted inEconomy
Nebraska’s Next Governor
Nearly eight years ago, in his inaugural address, Gov. Pete Ricketts pointed to the challenges Nebraska faces in creating jobs. “There’s a barrier to creating jobs here in the state. And it’s Nebraska’s high taxes. We must cut taxes,” Ricketts said. In April 2022, Ricketts signed into law a $900 million tax cut that lowers […]
Posted inNews
Competitive District 2: Voters Weigh Inflation, Jobs as Vargas Challenges Bacon for Congress
Araceli Guzman takes a breath and knocks on a door near 32nd Ave. and Martha St. in Omaha’s Hanscom Park neighborhood. The morning sun reflects off her wide-brimmed hat and neon green vest as she waits for someone to walk to the door, but she’s met with silence. Then she knocks again. Finally, the door […]
Posted inNews
While Fewer Nebraska Children Live In Poverty, New Data Report Shows “A Long Way To Go” For Racial Equity
In 2020 a little more than 12% of Nebraska kids — or 56,828 children — lived in poverty, down for the eighth consecutive year since the state’s child poverty rate neared 18% in 2013. But a new report shows while fewer Nebraska children live in poverty, children of color continue to grow up poor at […]
Posted inMultimedia
Everything We Saw at the Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show
Just as the golden hour sunlight hit the new Gene Leahy Mall amphitheater, young dancers and singers took the stage to perform in the Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show on Friday, September 9. While families sat in lawn chairs to cheer on their kids, and visitors to the new public space stopped to catch […]
Posted inMusic
Soul Connections
There are plenty of great club shows filling the early fall schedule, starting with the Blues Society of Omaha weekly shows that rotate among several venues this month. Thursday, Sept. 1, 6-9 p.m., Omaha’s own Nate Bray & The Soul Supremes perform at The Strut. Thursday, Sept. 8, 6-9 p.m., it’s the Brotherhood Tour featuring […]
Posted inNews
Omaha GED Classes Open Doors, Help Immigrant Parents Support Kids In School
This story was first published in El Perico, The Reader’s Spanish-English sister publication. Read the original story in English and Spanish. This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. Patricia Paniagua drove home from Metro Community College in early May feeling nervous. After almost two years of studies, the […]
Posted inNews
Omaha Opens Pandemic Rental Assistance to All, Regardless of Citizenship. Here’s How to Apply.
All Omaha renters hurt by the pandemic can now apply for emergency rental assistance regardless of their citizenship or U.S. legal status. The City of Omaha reversed its legal position last week Wednesday on who can receive the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) money, removing citizenship as a qualification for the rental and utility relief […]
Posted inNews
For Some Latino Omahans, Solving Health Disparities Starts in the Garden
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. It’s 11 o’clock on a sunny June morning in La Vista, Nebraska, and four young women are admiring more than three dozen leafy green vegetables poking out the dirt on the south side of Zoraida Llasaca’s home. Llasaca, a woman born […]
Posted inCulture
Hot, Hot, Hot
If you are an Eastern Nebraska blues fan, chances are that Lincoln’s Zoo Bar had something to do with your discovery of the music. Even if you’ve never made it to the club. If you went to blues shows at Omaha’s old Howard Street Tavern or Kansas City’s Grand Emporium, you felt the impact of […]
Posted inNews
OPD Officer On Paid Leave, Investigation Into Use of Force In Juvenile Arrest
An Omaha police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation to examine his use of force during the arrest of a young boy Tuesday, according to the Omaha police department. Social media posts and witnesses say the child was 12 years old. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said he placed […]
Posted inNews
OPS Board of Education Approves Proposed Stipends for Staff as Teacher Shortage Continues
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. *** The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education has approved amendments to the district’s federal pandemic relief funds, including a proposal to put funds towards stipends for full-time staff and part-time staff in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school year. At a nearly three-hour […]
Posted inNews
While Teachers Need Support Now, Programs Strengthen the Future of Teaching
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. *** Editor’s note: At the time this story originally published in The Reader‘s June print issue, the Omaha Public Schools district had not allocated ESSER, or Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, funds toward teacher pay. The online story has been updated to […]
Posted inNews
“We are Tired, We Feel Used”: Ahead of Staff Exodus, OPS Teachers Demand Action From Board
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. *** Adam Byers didn’t have “a fraction of the support” he feels he should have as a first-year teacher in his Omaha Public Schools classroom this year. That’s why he’s resigning from the district, he told the board of education in a meeting […]
Posted inUncategorized
Experts Say Students Need Help, Not Punishment as They Cope with Pandemic
While suspensions dropped in OPS schools during the pandemic, disproportionate suspension rates for Black students persisted.
Posted inEducation
OPS Board Approves Revisions to Code of Conduct to Address Serious Fights, Gender Neutral Language
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. Students in the Omaha Public Schools will have a revised code of conduct in the next school year. In an hour and a half long meeting at the OPS Teacher Administration Center Monday night, all nine members of the OPS Board […]
Posted inMultimedia
Building “The Good Life” For All Nebraskans, Not Just Some
Cammy Watkins and Maggie Wood believe honest conversations about equity and inclusion in Nebraska’s schools and businesses — and in everyday life — can help create The Good Life for all Nebraskans, not just some. They are the co-executive directors of Inclusive Communities, a nonprofit organization providing advocacy and education around diversity and equity in […]
Posted inNews
In Caring For Omaha’s Most Absent Kids, Many Still Fall Through the Cracks: “Everybody Should Have the Resources I Have.”
The GOALS Center addresses attendance and truancy issues for students in metro schools. But advocates say the absentee interventions aren’t reaching the students who need them most.
Posted inNews
How One Omaha High School Addresses Chronic Absenteeism
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. *** Editor’s note: The Omaha Street School refrained from sharing students’ last names to protect their privacy. For the first half of her freshman year, Mercy had her routine down at Omaha South High School. She’d go to one class to be marked […]
Posted inNews
Omaha Public Schools Board Makes Masks Optional
The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education approved a resolution to drop the district-wide mask mandate at Thursday night’s board meeting, making it optional to wear masks in OPS buildings as of Friday. Teachers, students, parents and OPS staff sat in the Teacher Administration Center building, 3215 Cuming St., on Thursday to hear the board’s […]
Posted inNews
White Student Enrollment Slides in OPS, Nearby Districts
This story is part of (DIS)Invested — a longterm Reader investigation into Omaha’s inequities. *** When the pandemic shut down in-person and virtual classes for Omaha Public Schools in March 2020, Jenelle Emory would sit in her home with her daughters — a first grader and a kindergartener at Adams Elementary — and walk through the packet […]
Posted inNews
Photo Collection: We Made Ourselves at Home in Memorial Park
Among lawn chairs and picnic blankets spread across Memorial Park at last Saturday’s City of Omaha Celebrates America summer concert, one seat stood out— a couch. Our team at The Reader set up our “living room” and invited concert goers to stop by for a free portrait and a copy of our August issue. With […]
Posted inMusic
Fiery Music Forecast
Héctor Anchondo’s first trip to Memphis for the 2015 International Blues Challenge was the inspiration for In the Market for Blues, an Old-Market-based, multi-venue, multi-band event that has grown exponentially each year. The festival is now supported by the Blues Society of Omaha and a variety of sponsors. After a year off with pandemic closures, […]
Posted inNews
Ital Becomes Vital In North Omaha
In June, 22 year old Imani Murray opened Ital Vital Living, a drive-thru smoothie and juice store at 2323 N. 24th St., with her mother and sister by her side.
Posted inDining
Reimagine What Food Can Do: For These Omahans, It’s About Community
The pandemic pushed restaurant owners to their financial, emotional and mental limits. But from that same chaos rose a young, diverse slate of Omahans who either opened their own food businesses after March 2020, or found new meaning behind why they make their meals while in the COVID-19-induced solitude. Throughout the month of July, The […]
Posted inVisual Arts
Custom Made
A few years ago, the Nebraska Arts Council recognized that it was not adequately representing the work of the many folk and traditional artists across the state whose work was rooted in the everyday experience of community. One of the results of its new support initiative is “Nebraska Folk and Traditional Artists: A Sampling,” an […]
Posted inReaders’ Choice Best of the Big O
Best of the Big O: 2023 Readers’ Choice – Personal Shopping and Services Winners
Winner announcements coming soon! Readers’ Choice winners can download their award logos here: Best Beauty Salon Best Church Best Cosmetic Practice – Noninvasive Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice Best Day Spa Best Massage Best Men’s Clothing Store Best Nail Salon Best Organic Grocery Store Best Retail Meat Counter Best Retail Produce Selection Best Shoe Store Best […]
Posted inReaders’ Choice Best of the Big O
Best of the Big O: 2023 Readers’ Choice – Dining Winners
Winner announcements coming soon! Readers’ Choice winners can download their award logos here: Best Bagel Shop Best Bakery Best BBQ Restaurant Best Breakfast Joint Best Brunch Spot Best Buffet Best Burger Joint Best Café/Diner Best Catering Company Best Chicken Joint Best Chinese Restaurant Best Coffeeshop Best Doughnut Shop Best Drive-Thru Restaurant Best Falafel Restaurant Best […]
Posted inReaders’ Choice Best of the Big O
Best of the Big O: 2023 Readers’ Choice – Nightlife and Play Winners
Winner announcements coming soon! Readers’ Choice winners can download their award logos here: Best Bar for an Internet Date Best Bar for Beer Selection Best Bar for Conversation Best Bar for Craft Cocktails Best Bar with Live Music Best Bartenders Are At… Best Brewpub Best Casino Best Cigar Bar Best Cocktail Lounge Best Concert Venue […]
Posted inReaders’ Choice Best of the Big O
Best of the Big O: 2023 Readers’ Choice –Professional and Health Services Winners
Winner announcements coming soon! Readers’ Choice winners can download their award logos here: Best Appliance Repair Best Auto Body Shop Best Auto Dealer Service Shop Best Auto Glass Repair Shop Best Auto Repair Shop Best Bank Best Bike Shop Best Bookstore Best Brake Service Best Car Wash Best Catering Company Best CBD Shop Best Cell […]
Posted inReaders’ Choice Best of the Big O
Best of the Big O: 2023 Readers’ Choice – Living and Home Services Winners
Winner announcements coming soon! Readers’ Choice winners can download their award logos here: Best Apartments Best Carpet Cleaning Best Custom Home Builder Best Drain Cleaning Company Best Duct Cleaning Company Best Electrician Company Best Foundation/Basement Repair Best Furniture Store Best Handyman Services Best Heating & A/C Company Best Home Window Company Best House Cleaning Service […]
Posted inReaders’ Choice Best of the Big O
Best of the Big O: 2023 Readers’ Choice – Getting Around Winners
Winner announcements coming soon! Best Airline Best Buy Here/Pay Here Used Car Lot Best Hotel Best Pre-Owned Car Dealer Best Tourist Attractions
Posted inVisual Arts
Open to the Elements
Linda Fleming, whose sculpture is featured in the Gene Leahy Mall’s art garden, is the centerpiece of the Kaneko’s 10th annual Soirée celebration on September 29 from 6-10pm. “Experimenta De Vacuo Spatio,” a retrospective of her 56-year career, will continue through February 2. The show, whose title translates to “Experiments on Empty Space,” underscores the […]
Posted inOver The Edge
A Goodbye and a Modest Proposal
So this is it, my last column written for The Reader. The first installment of this column was dated Dec. 2, 2004. It focused on a young singer/songwriter named Willy Mason who few if any people remember. More than 600 (700? 800?) installments followed in different iterations, all with the same common denominator — they […]
Posted inMovies
Starve a Cold, Feed a Demon
Well, let me ask you this, Mr. Pope’s Exorcist: Have you tried feeding the demon? Writer/director Bishal Dutta’s It Lives Inside is steeped in religiocultural concerns and shenanigans, many of which involve either preparation of intricate, holy meals or slorping up some raw meat. Dutta and cowriter Ashish Mehta have made one of those “unmistakable […]