End of an era: Longtime publisher of The Reader ready to close book on Omaha’s alternative newspaper
By Erin Grace Flatwater Free Press John Heaston opens the door to a brick warehouse next to Johnny’s Cafe in South Omaha and walks through rooms holding his life’s work. “It’s kind of a hot mess,” says the 52-year-old longtime publisher of Omaha’s alternative newspaper, The Reader. Here’s a garage bay holding empty green newspaper […]
Effort to shift City of Omaha funds to minority business development fizzles, for now
by Cindy Gonzalez, Nebraska ExaminerSeptember 12, 2023 OMAHA — Inspired by the number of North Omaha merchants seeking State of Nebraska grants to rev up business, City Councilwoman Juanita Johnson on Tuesday asked the City Council to commit $1 million for a city effort. The request got no traction from fellow council members, who said […]
‘Our kids are in their hands’: Legislature dissects OPS schools’ special education vacancies
by Zach Wendling, Nebraska Examiner September 8, 2023 LINCOLN — About one week before school started this fall, Omaha Public Schools informed Kelsey Escobar her child would need to change schools to continue his individualized special education. She could choose among a dozen different sites. Kelsey Escobar, an Omaha Public Schools parent, testifies before the […]